In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) decided to change the name of monkeypox to mpox. This change comes after new cases of the disease were reported in India. The new name helps reduce stigma, make the disease easier to understand, and improve the fight against it. In this blog, we will talk about why the name was changed and how it can help the world fight the disease more effectively.
Reducing Stigma with the New Name
The name “monkeypox” caused many problems. It made people think that only monkeys were involved. This led to unfair blaming of certain animals, like monkeys, and specific places, such as Africa. This created stereotypes that hurt many people. By renaming it “mpox,” the WHO hopes to reduce this stigma. The new name does not focus on any animals or places.
- Stopping Racism:
The name “monkeypox” made some people wrongly think the disease only affected people in Africa. This caused unfair treatment. Changing the name to “mpox” helps remove this harmful link to specific people or places. - No More Blaming Animals:
The name “monkeypox” also made people blame monkeys for the disease. But monkeys aren’t the only animals that spread the disease. Changing the name to “mpox” helps stop this misunderstanding.
Clarifying How the Disease Spreads
The old name didn’t explain how the disease spread. While the virus was first found in monkeys, it can also spread through other animals, like rodents. This caused confusion. The new name, “mpox,” makes it clear that the disease can spread from many types of animals.
- Better Understanding:
By renaming the disease, people will understand that it’s not just monkeys that can spread the virus. It can also spread through other animals. This helps people know what to do to protect themselves. - No More Animal Blame:
The old name led to blaming monkeys. The new name focuses on the virus, not animals. This helps create a better understanding of how the disease works.
Improving Communication About the Disease
Clear communication is important in stopping any disease. The name “monkeypox” made it harder for health experts to explain how the disease spread. With the new name “mpox,” it’s easier to share information. The name is short and simple. It helps doctors and health workers explain things clearly to the public.
- Encouraging People to Seek Help:
Some people may have avoided seeking medical help because they were scared. They didn’t want to be blamed for having “monkeypox.” The new name, “mpox,” helps reduce this fear. People will feel more comfortable talking about it and asking for help if needed. - Simpler and Clearer Messaging:
“Mpox” is easy to say and understand. Health experts can now focus on explaining the virus and how it spreads. This will help people take the right steps to protect themselves.
Cases Emerge in India and Global Health Impact
India has seen new cases of mpox. Although the number of cases is still low, it is concerning. India’s large population makes it harder to control the spread of diseases. Changing the name to “mpox” will help people understand the disease better and make it easier for health experts to communicate important information.
- Tracking and Monitoring in India:
India is working with the WHO to monitor mpox cases. Health authorities are educating people on how the virus spreads and how to stay safe. More awareness will help stop the disease from spreading further. - Challenges in a Large Population:
India has over 1.4 billion people. This makes it difficult to ensure that everyone gets the right information. The name “mpox” is simple and clear, which will help health experts spread their message effectively, even in remote areas.
Global Health Efforts and Future Preparedness
The WHO’s decision to rename the disease is also about preparing for future health challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic showed how fast diseases can spread. The WHO is trying to act quickly and communicate clearly to stop diseases like mpox from spreading globally.
- Preventing Future Stigma:
The COVID-19 pandemic taught us how harmful it can be when diseases are linked to specific places or groups of people. Changing the name to “mpox” helps prevent the disease from being blamed on any specific country or group. This is an important step in stopping future stigma. - Working Together Globally:
Diseases like mpox can spread across borders. With the new name “mpox,” the WHO hopes countries will focus on controlling the virus, not on where it came from. This can help improve global cooperation in fighting the disease.
Public Education and Awareness
One of the most important things in stopping a disease is educating the public. People need to understand how mpox spreads, what the mpox symptoms are, and how to protect themselves. The WHO’s decision to change the name will make it easier to educate people.
- The Role of the Media:
The media helps people learn about diseases. With the new name “mpox,” the media can share information clearly. This will help prevent confusion and panic. It will also help people take the right actions to stay safe. - Community Support:
Local communities need to be involved in spreading the right information. When people in local areas understand how to protect themselves, the disease will be less likely to spread. The new name makes it easier for communities to share helpful information.
The Impact of the Name Change in India
The name change is especially important in India. India’s large population and diverse geography present unique challenges in fighting diseases. Many people in rural areas may not have easy access to healthcare. A clearer name like “mpox” will help health experts explain the disease more easily.
- Building Trust in Healthcare:
When people understand what a disease is, they are more likely to seek help. The name “mpox” makes it easier for people to trust health systems and get the treatment they need. This is important in stopping the spread of the disease. - Reaching Vulnerable Populations:
Many people in India live in remote areas where healthcare may not be easy to find. The name “mpox” makes it easier for health workers to explain the disease and encourage people to stay safe. This is important for preventing further monkeypox outbreaks.
Conclusion
Renaming monkeypox to mpox was an important step in fighting the disease. The new name helps reduce stigma, makes the disease easier to understand, and improves communication. As new cases of mpox appear in India and other countries, it is important that people understand the disease and know how to protect themselves.
The World Health Organization decision to change the name shows how important clear communication is. A name like “mpox” helps people focus on the virus and how to stop it. By sharing information in a simple and clear way, health experts can help keep the world safe from mpox. Through global cooperation, education, and awareness, we can all work together to stop the disease from spreading further.
