WHO Seeks New Name for Monkeypox

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Je-hoon] The World Health Organization (WHO) has decided to find a new name to replace 'monkeypox,' AP News reported on the 12th (local time).

According to the report, WHO stated that this is "to avoid causing offense to cultures, societies, countries, regions, occupations, and ethnic groups, and to minimize negative impacts on trade, travel, tourism, and animal welfare."

WHO plans to formalize the name change after public discussions in the future. However, it did not specify the exact timing of the name change.

Monkeypox, which was an endemic disease in Africa, has spread worldwide since May, with over 31,000 reported cases to date. The scientific community has argued that the name monkeypox could cause discrimination and stigma against certain groups and regions, emphasizing the need to change the name.

There are similar cases. In the early stages of COVID-19, it was called 'Wuhan pneumonia' or 'Chinese virus,' and WHO established the official name 'COVID-19,' stating that such names could lead to discrimination against Asians.