This paper summarises the proceedings of a Forum on Global Health Ethics webinar held at the University of Zurich, examining the ethical dimensions of the 2022 MPOX outbreak and its disproportionate impact on LGBTQI+ communities.

Context

The 2022 MPOX outbreak exposed deep fault lines in global health equity. While the virus is not inherently tied to sexual orientation, the epidemiological reality of its initial spread through specific social networks prompted a wave of stigmatising media coverage and public health messaging that placed disproportionate burden on LGBTQI+ individuals.

Key Finding

Health disparities observed during the outbreak reflect pre-existing systemic inequities exacerbated by inadequate outbreak response protocols. The failure to develop stigma-neutral public health communications replicated harmful patterns seen during the early HIV/AIDS crisis.

Ethical Framework

Drawing on WHO ethical guidelines and panel expert testimony, we propose a framework for outbreak communication that centres stigma-reduction as a primary public health objective alongside containment. This includes community-led messaging, disaggregated data reporting, and proactive media liaison.

Conclusion

The MPOX outbreak represents both a public health challenge and a test of our ethical commitments to health equity. Lessons learned must be institutionalised before the next outbreak, not after.