Monkeypox: How Communications Can Prevent Misinformation and Stigma

The spread of monkeypox (orthopoxvirus), like the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus and other infectious diseases, has been accompanied by the spread of much misinformation and unjustified stigmatization of people of particular demographics and backgrounds. This has in turn hindered proper responses to infectious diseases. This webinar on stigma, communications and monkeypox presents a framework for developing appropriate widespread proactive communications messages and plans about infectious diseases that avoid stigmatizing affected and at risk populations, effectively providing prevention messages, and appropriately engaging communities that may face stigma.

The webinar includes an update from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on the current monkeypox outbreak, a presentation on derailing stigma through proactive communications strategies with PRI experts, & a panel discussion on the challenges that misinformation and stigma have presented for managing outbreak communications.

Who’s this for? Staff and leadership across organizations, community services, communications, business, policy makers, public health practitioners, & healthcare professionals who can play a role in reducing stigma and amplifying key health messages. Anyone interested in the topic is welcome to attend.

Welcome Remarks