An initiative is born to disseminate information about monkeypox to the LGBTQI+ community in Latin America

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has created an initiative in collaboration with the social network and dating application grindr to disseminate essential information about monkeypox, now called mpoxto lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex people and the rest of the LGBTQI+ community in Latin America and North America.

The objective is combat misinformation about this disease among social groups where the risk of infection is higher, as well as raising awareness about the importance of preventing it, treating it, or being alert to possible symptoms.

The initiative also contemplates promoting the creation of campaigns non-discriminatory and non-stigmatizing communication around the virusin coordination with organizations that work with LGBTQI+ communities.

inform to protect

“When it comes to public health, it’s crucial that we reach people where they feel most comfortable, with the tools they already use in their daily lives“said the head of PAHO’s HIV, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections unit.

Rubén Mayorga-Sagastume added that “clear and concise information on the measures that people can take to protect their health is key to control and prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases“, for which he appreciated the opportunity to work with grindr to provide information to those who need it most.

“Our communities can take better care of themselves when they have as much information as possible. This is a crucial step in addressing the social stigma and lack of information surrounding the mpoxthat disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ people”, declared the person in charge of Equal Diffusion of grindr.

“We are delighted to work with the Organization and serve the users of our social network throughout the Americas,” added Steph Niaupari.

current outbreak

The Pan American Health Organization explains that monkeypox is a zoonosis caused by a virus of the same name, a member of the genus orthopox virus. It is transmitted from one person to another by close contact. with injuries, bodily fluids, and materials contaminated by the virus, such as bedding.

The current outbreak, which started in Europe and is particularly affecting men who have sex with men, is characterized by rashes or skin lesions They are usually concentrated on the penis, anus, mouth, face, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet.

The Organization reports that several countries where the virus is not endemic reported cases in May 2022, including countries in Latin America and North America. In July 2022, the CEO of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared this outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern.

So far, almost 60,000 confirmed cases of mpox and 116 deaths in Latin America and North America.

In response to the outbreak, PAHO developed a series of tools to guide the efforts of the countries and thus effectively disseminate evidence-based information to the groups most at risk.

The Organization has declared that it continues to support States in the activities of surveillance, preparedness and response to outbreaks of the disease and was the first to make available to the countries vaccines as part of the emergency response.