World Health Organization to rename “Monkeypox” after experts say name is “discriminatory”

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it will rename the monkeypox virus after a group of scientists shared concerns that the name could be stigmatizing and discriminatory.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that WHO is working with partners and experts on changing the name and an announcement about the new name will be made as soon as possible.

The announcement came after over 30 international scientists urged for the name to be changed.

“In the context of the current global outbreak, continued reference to, and nomenclature of this virus being African is not only inaccurate but is also discriminatory and stigmatizing,” the scientists wrote on June 10.

There have been more than 1,600 reported cases of the virus in 39 countries.

Seventy-two deaths had been reported in countries where monkeypox is already endemic.

However, the WHO does not recommend mass vaccination at this time.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.

© 2022, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.