Stigma and public health responses : lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic to inform the recent monkeypox outbreak

Abstract

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, and first reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970. An outbreak of the monkeypox is currently ongoing, the first case was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on 7 May 2022. Most of the cases have been identified in young men, self-identifying as men who have sex with men (MSM). Since most reported monkeypox cases in humans in the developed world have been reported in MSM, this may result in the perception in some quarters that it’s a disease associated with this key population group. This may result in increased stigma being directed to MSM. Similar perceptions existed at the advent of HIV, which were later proven incorrect as HIV is readily transmissible between heterosexuals. Some recent public and media coverage has generated homophobic and racist stereotypes that have brought attention to MSM fueling stigma and discrimination towards an already marginalized group. Disease outbreaks often breed fear and distress among populations and have historically been accompanied by stigma, discrimination, and homophobia.