U.S. reports 1,048 new monkeypox cases, biggest one-day increase on record
U.S. preparing to declare public health emergency for monkeypox
U.S. reports 1,048 new monkeypox cases, biggest one-day increase on record.The Biden administration is expected to declare monkeypox a public health emergency in the coming days. HHS could then take a slew of actions, including accessing new money and appointing new personnel.
When the WHO declared monkeypox a public health emergency, it also warned of another threat to society stigma and discrimination.
How can leaders educate people about monkeypox without stigmatizing those who are most likely to be affected by it? Part of the solution is having adequate resources in place for testing, vaccinating and supporting people when they're diagnosed,
Another part is tackling homophobia itself. It's dangerous for public health messaging to falsely suggest that monkeypox is not a broad issue of concern.
That's in part because it breeds stigma, which could prevent infected people from coming forward, seeking care and alerting their close contacts.
Failure to address stigma early on can create a sense of complacency in other segments of the population.
It's important for public health officials to act early and offer messaging that is not only clear but can also earn and restore the public's trust.
Public health experts and advocates are looking back at the HIV/AIDS crisis as an example of what not to do.
Stigma and blame kept many people hidden in shame, and public health officials didn't channel the appropriate resources into addressing the outbreak when it first began.
Jason Cianciotto, a vice president of Gay Men's Health Crisis, says one of the most important takeaways from the HIV/AIDS crisis is the value of a sex-positive approach to education.
