When Akaliza (Not real name) arrived in Mbarara from Rwanda, she carried more than just a bag of belongings she carried hope. Hope for better opportunities, a chance to support herself and her young family, and a fresh start far from the struggles she left behind.
But life had other plans. Within weeks of her arrival, Akaliza began to feel unwell. Fever gripped her body, painful rashes spread across her skin, and swelling made even simple movements agonizing. Confused and scared, she sought help at a local clinic, only to receive treatment that did little to ease her symptoms. Alone in a new city, fear settled in.
It was during this darkest moment that she encountered volunteers from the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS), conducting awareness campaigns about Mpox. They listened to her story, examined her symptoms, and connected her to proper medical care. Slowly, she began to recover, but the fear of what could have been lingered.
“I never imagined that coming to Mbarara for a better life would bring me so much pain,” Akaliza recalls, her voice trembling. “For days, I felt helpless, alone, and scared I might not survive.”
Akaliza’s experience, however, was not an isolated incident. The outbreak had claimed lives within her community and left several others in critical condition. It was a harsh reminder that survival here required more than luck—it demanded unity, awareness, and decisive action.
Together with her peers and guided by Peace, a local advocate, the sex workers of Mbarara began to take matters into their own hands. They established strict safety measures: screening clients carefully, enforcing hygiene protocols before and after encounters, and regularly changing bedding. URCS, with support from UNICEF, provided vital education, practical resources, and guidance on how to prevent Mpox from spreading further.
“We learned that survival depends on each other,” Peace explains. “Sharing knowledge, looking out for one another—it’s not just about work; it’s about life.”
For Akaliza, these lessons were life-changing. No longer feeling isolated in her struggle, she found strength in solidarity. The group became her lifeline, offering not just protection from disease, but emotional support and reassurance that she was not alone.
“Before, I felt like I was fighting this alone,” Akaliza admits. “Now I know I have people around me who care, who understand, and who are working with me to stay safe. That has made all the difference.”
The URCS has also ensured that the community can access immediate help through dedicated hotlines, reinforcing that no one should be left behind during this health crisis.
As Mbarara continues to battle the Mpox outbreak, Akaliza’s story stands as a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of unity. Amid fear and uncertainty, a community of the most vulnerable has found hope in each other and a way to survive together.
This is made possible with support from UNICEF.