Posted on 25 July 2022
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued the highest level of alert, determining Monkeypox a “public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).”
African researchers have been warning about monkeypox outbreaks for years. Many are disheartened that resources such as vaccines have not yet been mobilized in their countries, despite the disease toll being the highest, and a rapid global response following outbreaks in Western nations.
However, reports from the US say that although the vaccines and treatments are in stockpile, a slow public heath response has meant that people cannot access the resources.
According to WHO, available evidence suggests that those most at risk are those who had close physical contact with someone with monkeypox; that risk is not limited in any way, to men who have sex with men. UNAIDS has urged media outlets, governments, and communities to respond with a rights-based, evidence-based approach that avoids stigma.