With 1,092 contaminations recorded since the outbreak began, New York City is the city most affected by monkeypox in the United States.
The potentially devastating effects
The councilor for municipal health New York (UNITED STATES), Ashwin Vasan sent a letter to the Director General of theWHO (World Health Organization), Tedros Ghebreyesus. He asked to rename the monkeypox (monkeypox in English), a name considered stigmatizing and which risks pushing patients to isolate themselves instead of seeking treatment.
“We are increasingly concerned about the potentially devastating and stigmatizing effects that monkeypox virus messages can have on [des] already vulnerable communities“, he wrote.
A racist and painful story
In mid-June, the WHO boss hinted at the possible change of this name, the health councilor recalled. According to him, thisterminology“It is also rooted in a racist and painful history for communities of color.
Ashwin Vasan he insisted on remembering the negative effects of false information during the appearance of the VIH sida or the racism suffered by Asian communities after the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19.
Traumatic sensations
According to the official, continuing to use the term “monkeypox“It could rekindle traumatic feelings of racism and stigma, particularly for blacks and other people of color, as well as for members of LGBTQIA + communities.”And for this reason they may avoid using life-saving health services.“, He added.
> Also read: Monkeypox in New York: LGBT + community in disarray due to the peak of cases
