This Zoonotic Virus 'Can Affect Anyone': UN On 'Racist, Homophobic' Monkeypox Reporting

UNAIDS said that this stigma and blame directed toward certain groups of people can rapidly undermine the response to the outbreak.

Monkeypox virus

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New Delhi: Expressing concern over the recent public reporting on Monkeypox, the UNAIDS issued a statement which said that many of the imagery and language portrayals of African people or the LGBTI community will “reinforce homophobic and racist stereotypes and exacerbate stigma”.

UNAIDS said that this stigma and blame directed toward certain groups of people can rapidly undermine the response to the outbreak. It urged media, governments, and communities “to respond with a rights-based, evidence-based approach that avoids stigma”.

The agency stated that Monkeypox, since 2013, has been reported in countries where cases are not usually seen. As of May 21, the World Health Organization (WHO) received reports of 92 laboratory-confirmed monkeypox cases and 28 suspected cases from 12 countries where the disease is not endemic, including several European nations, the United States, Australia and Canada.

While investigations continue, a significant number have been identified as gay, and bisexual and these were mostly reported from sexual wellness clinics, the statement said.

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“Stigma and blame undermine trust and capacity to respond effectively during outbreaks like this one,” said Matthew Kavanagh, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director.

“Experience shows that stigmatizing rhetoric can quickly disable evidence-based response by stoking cycles of fear, driving people away from health services, impeding efforts to identify causes, and encouraging ineffective, punitive measures. We appreciate the LGBTI community for having led the way on raising awareness – and we reiterate that this disease can affect anyone”, he further stated.

Monkeypox is a rare zoonotic disease, its virus is transmitted from one person to another through close contact with infected people, their body fluids and their clothing or bedsheets.

Most patients only experience fever, body aches, chills and fatigue. People with more serious illnesses may develop a rash and lesions on the face and hands that can spread to other parts of the body.