WHO "Monkeypox Renamed 'Mpox'... Coexistence of Both Names for One Year"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on the 28th (local time) that it will gradually discontinue the use of the disease name 'monkey pox' and has finalized the new name as 'Mpox (MPOX)'. During the one-year transitional period, both the new name Mpox and monkey pox will be used simultaneously.

This decision follows criticism that the disease name monkey pox carried racial and sexual stigmas. Monkey pox, which was an endemic disease in Central and West Africa, began spreading worldwide from May this year. In particular, as most cases were reported to be transmitted through sexual contact among men who have sex with men, social stigma against infected individuals became a controversial issue.

In response, WHO started a public call and consultations for a new disease name earlier this year. Besides Mpox, names such as Foxi MacfoSpace and Trump-22 were reportedly submitted. According to the economic broadcaster CNBC, the finalized name Mpox was proposed by the men's health organization Rezo. They expressed hope that removing the monkey image would help people take the public health emergency more seriously.

WHO stated, "We hope the new disease name Mpox will minimize the negative impact of the current disease name." According to WHO, as of this year, more than 81,000 cases of monkey pox and 55 deaths have been reported in 110 countries.