Monkeypox and men who have sex with men: we need to treat it with a destigmatizing perspective

e202307059

Abstract

Monkeypox is a zoonosis, which is transmitted by direct and close contact, and has recently produced a large epidemic outbreak in non-endemic areas, classified as a Public Health Emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization. The global doubting and delayed response, and the stigmatizing approach to men who have sex with men promoted by public opinion, some scientists, socio-political agents, and the media, could be some of the reasons why the epidemic has not yet been contained. The stigma around the disease produces severe injuries to its victims and obstructs actions aimed at controlling the disease, as occurred with HIV in the past. To limit stigma and contain the outbreak, scientists should lead the diffusion of scientifically validated information, educate the population about prevention, symptoms, how to react in case of suspicion and the importance of not contributing to others’ stigmatization. Interventions must also be conducted on victims of stigma to counter act its consequences and encourage their self-efficacy. Public health interventions should be carried out in collaboration with political and social actors to integrate evidence into regulations and procedures and facilitate public health interventions. Experts should also work together with the media to facilitate proper health communication and warn about bad practices. Similarly, the relationship between organizations and health professionals and stigmatized individuals must be improved to optimize their access and retention in health systems. The objective of this study was to review the stigmatizing response of some political agents, the media and social opinion to the Monkeypox epidemic, to highlight the consequences of stigma on the patients and the control of the disease. And to establish a series of recommendations to treat this situation effectively through a non-stigmatizing approach.