Policy Brief on Responding to the Global MPOX Outbreak

July 20, 2023: The response must carefully consider critical ethical issues as the world grapples with the ongoing global MPOX outbreak. The primary goal is to stop the spread of this emerging disease and eliminate human-to-human transmission. The international response must address key ethical considerations to prevent new outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations at risk of severe illness.

The ethical principles guiding the outbreak response are justice, beneficence, utility, respect for persons, liberty, reciprocity, and solidarity. These principles are fundamental to ensure fairness, protection, and care for all individuals affected by the outbreak.

This policy brief emphasizes three critical ethics issues that have emerged in the context of the global MPOX outbreak and its response:

Stigma and Discrimination: During outbreaks, there is often a risk of stigmatizing certain groups or communities, leading to discrimination and social isolation. It is crucial to combat the stigma and discrimination associated with MPOX. Public health messages and interventions should be sensitive and respectful, avoiding undue blame on particular individuals or communities.

Equitable Access to Interventions: Ensuring all affected individuals have equal access to necessary interventions, including vaccines and antiviral therapeutics, is paramount. Vulnerable populations, such as marginalized groups and immunocompromised individuals, should receive equitable care and support.

Action in the Face of Uncertainty: Dealing with emerging diseases often involves uncertainty about the effectiveness of interventions and the course of the outbreak. Ethical decision-making during such times requires prudence and a commitment to the precautionary principle. Decisions should be based on the best available evidence and expertise.

It is essential to recognize that each location experiencing the outbreak may have unique characteristics and challenges. The ethics considerations should be tailored to the specific context of each location, considering factors like varying infection risks and access to medical resources.

As the outbreak response evolves, a comprehensive and ethical approach is vital to protect public health and uphold the rights and well-being of individuals and communities. The World Health Organization and relevant authorities guide ethical practices and promote a coordinated global response.

The policy brief provides actionable guidance on addressing ethics issues in the global MPOX outbreak response. It underlines the importance of fairness, compassion, and solidarity in tackling the outbreak while ensuring equitable access to interventions and combating stigma and discrimination. By adhering to established ethics principles, the global community can collectively work towards containing the outbreak and safeguarding public health.