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WHO decides to rename monkeypox as mpox to avoid stigma

The Biden administration said Monday it supports the World Health Organization’s decision to rename monkeypox as mpox.

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said federal agencies will adopt the new name in its materials for doctors and public remarks on the disease.

WHO said it is changing the name because of complaints the term is misleading and led to “racist and stigmatizing language online.”

“We welcome the change by the World Health Organization. We must do all we can to break down barriers to public health, and reducing stigma associated with disease is one critical step in our work to end mpox,” Ms.