New surveillance highlights need for greater focus on non-religious mass gatherings in Uganda

A report from a syndromic surveillance activity conducted during the Nyege Nyege mass gathering festival by residents of the Uganda Field Epidemiology Training Program at Makerere University School of Public Health makes key recommendations to the Health ministry and organizers for better public health outcomes.

Held annually in Jinja – Uganda, the Nyege Nyege festival has earned international acclaim as a lively celebration of music, art, and culture. The festival is synonymous with significant crowds which present notable public health challenges that call for robust surveillance systems.

The surveillance report calls for greater focus on non-religious mass gatherings, given their potential to significantly increase the risk of disease transmission.

“Ministry of Health should enforce strict food safety standards at festivals. Vendors should adhere to proper food handling, preparation, and storage guidelines to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. Regular inspections of food stalls for cleanliness and hygiene should be conducted while at festivals,” the report reads. “Ministry of Health should establish a comprehensive health monitoring system to promptly identify and address any health issues arising during the festival. On-site medical facilities should be well-equipped to handle cases of foodborne illness or other common ailments reported, such as flu or headaches.”

To the festival mass gathering organizers, the report calls for awareness campaigns for both attendees and vendors, with emphasis on proper hygiene practices, “such as handwashing and the safe consumption of food and water. This could help reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal issues and other preventable diseases.”

The evaluation that formed the basis of the report was part of a broader research initiative on syndromic surveillance monitoring of infectious diseases, particularly Mpox and other Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs), during this year’s festival, which ran from 14 -17 November 2024,

For details, follow this link: Report on syndromic surveillance activity done during Nyege Nyege mass gathering festival