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Opinion Paper
The need to fast-track a change in the nomenclature of the monkeypox virus
Journal of Public Health in Africa | Vol 16, No 1 | a1419 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1419
| © 2025 Asukwo E. Onukak, Micah S. Otu, Juliet I. Mmerem
| This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 14 April 2025 | Published: 03 September 2025
Submitted: 14 April 2025 | Published: 03 September 2025
About the author(s)
Asukwo E. Onukak, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, NigeriaMicah S. Otu, Department of Internal Medicine, Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Nassarawa, Nigeria
Juliet I. Mmerem, Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria
Abstract
The nomenclature of monkeypox disease has been changed to mpox, and the clades of the causative virus have also been changed in keeping with international best practices. We commend the World Health Organization for its efforts in this regard while drawing attention to the need for a change in the name of the monkeypox virus. The continual use of the viral nomenclature can be considered stigmatising, discriminatory and inaccurate.
Keywords
monkeypox virus; mpox; International Classification of Diseases; global health; disease outbreaks
Sustainable Development Goal
Goal 10: Reduced inequalities
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