Long-distant drivers have issued demands to the Ministry of Health following the increased cases of the Mpox disease in the country.

Speaking during the conference on the update of the disease in the country on Thursday January 23 , the long-distance drivers revealed that they are the ones at risk the most since they are always in transit.  Issuing five demands they want to be addressed, the drivers have called upon the government to provide health resources and support by setting up mobile clinics at major truck stops, rest areas, and transportation hubs to help them access medical attention even while in transit. "Drivers are always on the move and may not have access to regular health checkups so providing them with health support like setting up mobile clinics to provide accessible resources to drivers like vaccinations where needed, consultations is essential to make it easier for drivers to access timely care when needed," the drivers said.

File image of long-distance truck drivers lining up in Busia County before crossing into Uganda.

File Apart from the mobile clinics, the drivers have also asked the government to provide them with education and awareness on the disease.