Meeting Report: Mpox and Discrimination in African Settings

Mpox is a public health emergency of international concern, and there has been an increase in mpox cases in Africa. The issue of transmission of mpox through sexual contact is an important area of operational focus for addressing cross-border spread, shaping risk communication and community engagement, and encouraging care-seeking and vaccination. However, there are several challenges that require careful consideration. On the one hand, there is concern about how to better delineate the burden of disease and clarify who is at greatest risk. On the other hand, there are important questions about framings of disease risk and how to avoid increased discrimination towards stigmatised groups, including those who face legal environments hostile to sex work and same-sex relations.

In the context of these challenges, on 13 September 2024, the Social Science in Humanitarian Action Platform (SSHAP) organised an online meeting to discuss:

• Mpox and discrimination issues in African settings.
• Operational responses to mpox that are contextually sensitive.