The stigma and discrimination associated with monkeypox, which the UN agency for health has now classified as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), have drawn the attention of a top World Health Organization (WHO) official on Tuesday. The WHO Technical Lead on Monkeypox, Dr. Rosamund Lewis, stated during a news conference in Geneva that the stigma should be avoided since it would hinder the fight against the illness.
In some nations, the outbreak is still mostly affecting groups of men who have sex with other men, but not everywhere, according to Lewis.
It’s crucial to recognise that stigma and discrimination may be just as harmful and dangerous as viruses themselves, she continued.
This year, more than 16,000 confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported in more than 75 countries, and according to a WHO official, the actual number is likely higher. She emphasised, however, that the outbreak of monkeypox, which was spreading quickly, could be stopped with the appropriate measures.
Long-term interpersonal interaction, including sexual contact, with an infected person or coming into contact with their contaminated possessions are the two ways that monkeypox is spread.
“This shouldn’t be something that frightens people, but it’s something they should be aware exists, much like STDs. The World Health Organization (WHO) cited Dr. Cristina Mussini, director of the Infectious Disease Clinic at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy, as saying that people should be well informed about what it is and the risks involved and should contact their doctors as soon as they experience any symptoms.
