The 2022 decision by the World Health Organization (WHO) to rename “monkeypox” as “mpox” was far from superficial, as we, leaders of the Biden Administration’s White House response team, witnessed directly. In numerous discussions, both in-person and online, community leaders, patients, public health officials, and medical professionals consistently reported that the original name bred stigma and uncertainty, deterring individuals from seeking vaccination, testing, or treatment.
The updated name, mpox, provided a unique advantage during a health crisis: it brought clarity and respect to those most affected by the outbreak, serving as a vital instrument to curb disease transmission. A return to “monkeypox” jeopardizes this advancement, compromises the delicate trust painstakingly established, and introduces ambiguity precisely when transparent communication is paramount.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) indicated its intention to revert to the former name, “monkeypox,” and instructed CDC personnel to remove the updated name, “mpox,” from all its records. This shift was not accompanied by a clear public statement or declaration; rather, it emerged suddenly in official communications, causing bewilderment among communities and healthcare providers.
This issue goes beyond mere terminology; it concerns the government’s health agency upholding consistency, credibility, and public trust. When questioned about HHS’s decision to reinstate “monkeypox,” a spokesperson simply stated, “Monkeypox is the name of the viral disease.”
This assertion disregards the background of the name alteration and is, in reality, incorrect. The WHO formally changed the disease’s name to “mpox” due to multiple factors. Primarily, the initial name was deceptive, as the virus predominantly affects rodents and other small mammals, with monkeys rarely being the source. Furthermore, the change conformed to the WHO’s disease naming protocols, which advise against terms that might offend cultural groups or adversely affect commerce, travel, or animal welfare. The name was updated because modernization was necessary.
HHS’s action serves as additional evidence of public health being weaponized against marginalized populations. Research indicated that the use of “mpox” rather than “monkeypox” was more prevalent in areas exhibiting higher LGBTQ acceptance and less so in regions led by officials who had recently spread misinformation regarding infectious diseases. This illustrates a regression in America, where the LGBTQ community is vilified to placate a political faction focused on identity politics instead of significant national issues—irrespective of the scientific and ethical grounds for such an alteration.
Throughout the 2022 outbreak, we dedicated considerable time to engaging with the LGBTQ community, frontline healthcare workers, and global collaborators. A recurring concern, repeatedly raised when discussing obstacles to vaccination, testing, and treatment, was the name “monkeypox.”
The name was not merely imprecise; it constituted a fundamental impediment to containing the outbreak. Individuals harbored anxieties of mockery, prejudice, or racial profiling if they uttered the word or visited a vaccination center displaying a name that evoked racist connotations. Community leaders informed us that this apprehension prevented people from accessing clinics. Given that the virus spreads through close contact, such reluctance led to increased disease transmission, more infections, and greater hardship.
Our collaboration with the WHO to transition to “mpox” represented a prime instance of governments demonstrating responsiveness, acknowledging concerns, and implementing swift measures. For LGBTQ communities, who were disproportionately affected by the outbreak, this change enabled discussions about testing, vaccination, and treatment free from the simultaneous struggle against stigma.
The effects were evident. Following the name change, community leaders could join local and government officials in disseminating information about vaccines and treatment, unburdened by an offensive term. This fostered a degree of confidence in public health authorities, which, in turn, led to more individuals undergoing testing, more appropriate vaccine distribution, and a greater number of lives safeguarded.
Reverting to “monkeypox” threatens to reverse the progress achieved. During the outbreak, we witnessed how misinformation, stigma, and misunderstanding could spread faster than scientific facts. Changing the name again now generates fresh uncertainty, not only for the general public but also for doctors and local health personnel who will be tasked with clarifying to patients that “mpox” and “monkeypox” refer to the same condition.
During an outbreak, clear and consistent communication is life-saving. Conflicting messages lead to errors. Maintaining a single, unambiguous name simplifies the process for medical professionals, patients, and the public to comprehend guidelines and respond promptly. Given that mpox outbreaks are currently ongoing in several African nations, the risk of the virus reappearing in the U.S. remains significant.
Altering names incurs expenses. Substantial taxpayer funds were allocated to outreach, educational initiatives, and training programs developed around the name mpox. Reversing this terminology necessitates reprinting informational materials, revising websites, and re-educating personnel—all while healthcare budgets are constrained.
The choice to rename “monkeypox” to “mpox” represented a rare convergence of scientific evidence and community perspectives. This was a considerable accomplishment, demonstrating public health’s capacity to swiftly adapt, lessen stigma, cultivate trust, and that community backing reinforces crisis response efforts.
Should HHS proceed with this change, the repercussions will be extensive. Confusion will obscure urgent communications. Public funds will be squandered. And trust—the most invaluable asset during any health emergency—will further diminish.
