WHO Renames Monkeypox as ‘Mpox’ in a Bid to Avoid Stigma

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Monday, Nov. 28, that it’s renaming monkeypox as “mpox” to avoid stigma to the LGBTQIA+ community. The agency said both names will be used “simultaneously for a year” until they completely phase out the term monkeypox.

Leaders and medical practitioners globally have supported the renaming of the dreaded virus. “We welcome the change by the World Health Organization. We must do all we can to break down barriers to public health,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra.

Last August, the WHO launched an online campaign to find a new name that is not discriminatory and offensive to any cultural, social, or ethnic group. The organization received more than 200 suggestions.

The Department of Health (DOH) said there are four confirmed cases of monkeypox in the Philippines. All patients have since recovered after receiving proper treatment.