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Monkeypox to get rebranded, WHO says — Analysis

The UN health watchdog is also considering bumping the virus’ alert to the highest level possible

World Health Organization is working closely with “partners and experts”Tedros Ghebreyesus is the UN’s head watchdog and announced Tuesday that the UN would give monkeypox a new name. International body Tedros Ghebreyesus announced Tuesday that it is considering increasing its monkeypox alert up to the highest possible level.

“WHO is also working with partners and experts from around the world on changing the name of monkeypox virus, its clades (origins) and the disease it causes. We will make announcements about the new names as soon as possible,”Ghebreyesus was mentioned.

After a letter was written by over 30 scientists calling for an announcement, the group has now made it official. “non-discriminatory and non-stigmatizing nomenclature for monkeypox virus.” The group argued that the continued reference to the virus as African is both discriminatory and inaccurate, suggesting ‘hMPXV’ as a placeholder name for the monkeypox virus.

Top health official comments on how monkeypox spreads

WHO may also rebrand monkeypox and raise its alert over ongoing epidemics of the disease. “public health emergency of international concern.”Ghebreyesus says that the outbreak may receive the highest possible alert level. The watchdog will meet for an emergency meeting next week.

“The global outbreak of monkeypox is unusual and concerning. For that reason I have decided to convene the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations next week, to assess whether this outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern,”According to the WHO chief.

Monkeypox has been confirmed in at least 39 countries worldwide. The WHO has received 1,500 additional reports from affected countries. The virus isn’t an endemic condition in the vast majority of countries.

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