community activists LGBTQ fear that some stigmatization of gay and bisexual men in the outbreak of monkeypox poses a threat to public health.
Health authorities are investigating nearly 30 confirmed cases of so -called “monkey pox” in Canada, in an unprecedented outbreak of this rare disease that rarely spreads outside Africa. Serious complications of the disease can occur in very rare cases, state public health authorities say.
Twenty -five infections were confirmed Thursday in Quebec since May 12, all in the greater Montreal area. Another case has been confirmed in Ontario, Canada’s Public Health Agency said Thursday, predicting that number will increase in the coming days.
However, public health in Quebec has determined that it affects the majority of cases adult men who have had close and prolonged intercourse with other men.
Dr. insisted. Geneviève Bergeron, head of public health infectious diseases in Montreal, on Thursday our enemy is the virus, not the sick people. He pointed that out Stigma is counterproductive to our public health goalswhich primarily aims to get people to seek medical attention.
The spectrum of HIV-AIDS
But for some community members LGBTQthe spread of this smallpox raises the specter of stigma that scapegoed gay and bisexual men during the HIV-AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and 1990s.
Others, however, argue that the early detection of smallpox cases by sexual health clinics shows how the community LGBTQ is mobilized to promote safe practices, avoiding embarrassment.
Canada’s Deputy Chief Public Health Officer said at a press conference on Thursday that he was aware of the potential for stigma and discrimination in the smallpox case – while noting that the way the virus is spread is not limited to a particular group or orientation. sexual.
But as initial epidemiological data suggests the virus is currently circulating in some communities, authorities are trying to sensitize people at high risk of exposure, Dr Howard Njoo explained on Thursday with great caution. .
Evidence of evolution?
The disease can be acquired through close contact with a sick person, including – but not limited to – sexual intercourse, Dr Njoo says. Scientists are still working to determine how the virus crosses borders.
Aaron Purdie, Director of the Community Health Organization Health Initiative for Men in British Columbia, fears that the spread of fear and stigma poses a greater threat than the disease itself. The stigma spreads like a virushe said. Yes, it is treatable. Yes, it is manageable. But it still spreads.
Purdie believes stigma can be a major barrier to effective disease prevention and treatment, especially for gay people who have experienced systemic discrimination in the health care system.
Dane Griffiths, director of Ontario’s Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance, believes silence tends to continue to stain. One of the best strategies to combat this is therefore, in his view, to provide accurate and timely information without sow shame or blame.
The rapid identification of monkeypox cases in men who have sex with men is a testament to the success of community -led efforts to improve access to testing and sexual health care, he said.
Gay and bisexual men, all over the world, come out of clinics and doctor’s offices, and are therefore seen and countedMr. explained. Griffiths. This is a good thing – and it is really encouraging within our community.
Source: Radio-Canada
