Health: Monkeypox renamed mpox, WHO announces

The World Health Organisation has said it will start using a new preferred term, ‘mpox’, as a synonym for monkeypox.

According to the WHO, the change of name followed a series of consultations with global experts.

In a statement on Monday made available to Punch, the agency said when the outbreak of monkeypox expanded earlier this year, racist and stigmatising language online, in other settings, and in some communities was observed and reported to WHO.

“Assigning names to new and, very exceptionally, to existing diseases, is the responsibility of WHO under the International Classification of Diseases and the WHO Family of International Health Related Classifications through a consultative process which includes WHO member states.

“WHO, in accordance with the ICD update process, held consultations and further discussions with then WHO’s Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO recommends the adoption of the new synonym mpox in English for the disease and mpox will become a preferred term, replacing monkeypox, after a transition period of one year.” Punch

Related   #GODloveforokwy