How Mpox Helped Change Public Health Narratives: Why Words Matter In Healthcare

In late 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a significant change to the name of a disease that has gained global attention in recent years.

Monkeypox, the viral disease that spreads through close contact and causes fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes and primarily affects humans despite its initial identification in monkeys, was renamed as Mpox. The update reflects the organizations and our industry's commitment to improving global health communication and addressing concerns around stigmatization.

Similarly, the renaming represents a broader effort to promote more neutral and scientifically accurate disease terminology. Mpox is currently tracked by all U.S. jurisdictions and remains a concern for international public health experts.

Why the name change?
The decision was motivated by several key factors, including "rationale, scientific appropriateness, extent of current usage, pronounceability, usability in different languages, absence of geographical or zoological references, and the ease of retrieval of historical scientific information."

In public healthcare, our words carry significant weight, shaping perceptions, behaviors and policy. Precision in terminology ensures that health communications are accurate and clear, reducing the risk of misinformation. Cultural sensitivity is equally important, as language that respects diverse communities can help minimize stigma, foster trust, and encourage more equitable access to care.

Additionally, alignment with industry and scientific standards promotes consistency across global health systems, enabling healthcare professionals, researchers and the public to collaborate more effectively. Together, these elements ensure that healthcare communication is inclusive, transparent and conducive to better health outcomes.

For example, the term "Monkeypox" has been criticized for its potential to perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Associating the disease with monkeys, despite its human-to-human transmission, has led to the stigmatization of certain groups and regions. By shifting to "Mpox," WHO aims to foster a more neutral and less offensive name.

What's next?
Our public health experts continuously update Maven®, our industry-leading case management platform, to address evolving needs of public health. Organizations in 28 international, state and local jurisdictions, serving over 195 million people, rely on Maven to track outbreaks of more than 90 diseases, including Mpox. Part of our commitment is to ensure our solutions, materials and other products are current with industry communications standards.

For all organizations, as new nomenclatures become standard, several steps are necessary to ensure a smooth transition:

• Updating materials: Health organizations should continue to revise educational resources, public health campaigns and official documentation to reflect new terminology.
• Education and training: Ongoing training and outreach will be essential for healthcare professionals and the public to fully understand and adopt terminology.
• Monitoring impact: It's vital to track how name changes affect public perception and stigma over time. Ongoing assessments help ensure transitions achieve their intended goals.

The renaming of Monkeypox to Mpox is a significant step in our industry's broader strategy to promote inclusive and scientifically accurate disease communication. By adopting new terminology, global health leaders can continue their commitment to reducing stigma, enhancing understanding, and promoting a more unified response to the disease.

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