Responses to Monkeypox: Learning from Previous Public Health Emergencies.

Area of Science:

• * Global Health Security
• * Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• * Public Health Policy

Background:

• * Monkeypox, a zoonotic disease, has historically been confined to Central and West Africa.
• * An unprecedented global outbreak began in May 2022, leading to a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) declaration by the WHO on July 23, 2022.
• * The initial outbreak was noted to be concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM) with multiple partners.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To evaluate the international public health response to the 2022 monkeypox outbreak.
• * To assess lessons learned from previous infectious disease outbreaks.
• * To identify areas of progress in the global response to monkeypox.

Main Methods:

• * This editorial is based on an analysis of the global public health response to the monkeypox outbreak.
• * It reviews the declaration of the PHEIC and responses from high-income countries.
• * It examines the nomenclature of the virus and disease, community engagement, and vaccine equity.

Main Results:

• * Evidence of progress is identified in the timely declaration of a PHEIC for monkeypox.
• * Some high-income countries demonstrated improved responses compared to past outbreaks.
• * Progress includes appropriate naming of the virus and disease, protection and engagement of LGBTIQ+ communities, and efforts toward equitable vaccine access.

Conclusions:

• * The monkeypox response serves as a critical assessment of global preparedness and learned lessons.
• * There are identifiable advancements in public health emergency declaration, disease naming, and community-centered strategies.
• * Continued focus on equitable vaccine distribution and community engagement is crucial for controlling the monkeypox outbreak.