“Stigma and blame undermine trust and capacity to respond effectively during outbreaks like this one,” said Matthew Kavanagh, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director. READ: Mozambique Reports First Case Of Wild Poliovirus In 30 Years. While investigations continue, a significant number have been identified as gay, and bisexual and these were mostly reported from sexual wellness clinics, the statement said. As of May 21, the World Health Organization (WHO) received reports of 92 laboratory-confirmed monkeypox cases and 28 suspected cases from 12 countries where the disease is not endemic, including several European nations, the United States, Australia and Canada. The agency stated that Monkeypox, since 2013, has been reported in countries where cases are not usually seen. It urged media, governments, and communities “to respond with a rights-based, evidence-based approach that avoids stigma”.
UNAIDS said that this stigma and blame directed toward certain groups of people can rapidly undermine the response to the outbreak. New Delhi: Expressing concern over the recent public reporting on Monkeypox, the UNAIDS issued a statement which said that many of the imagery and language portrayals of African people or the LGBTI community will “reinforce homophobic and racist stereotypes and exacerbate stigma”.
