WHO’s Monkeypox Naming Game: Poxy McPoxface & Beyond
Picture this: a global health body letting the public throw their hat into the ring for a brand‑new name for the disease that’s been causing headlines. From cheeky to earnest, the suggestions have flown in thanks to an open‑call initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Why the Rename?
Traditionally, disease names are hand‑picked by hush‑hush committees, but this time the WHO opened the doors wide. The push for a fresh moniker stems from a few key concerns:
- Misleading Roots – “Monkey” isn’t the original animal used in transmission.
- Stigma & Discrimination – Fear that the name could be weaponised in racist or xenophobic ways.
- Global Reach – The outbreak now touches 80+ countries; a kind name could help keep things smooth.
Back in June, a panel of scientists demanded a “neutral, non‑discriminatory and non‑stigmatising” label for the pathogen. The WHO hasn’t set a timetable yet but is keen to find something that’s descriptive and respectful.
The Wildest Submissions
Below is a snapshot of the most talked‑about entries that have made the shortlist:
- Mpox – Samuel Miriello, Director of REZO, which already uses this bite‑size name in Montreal.
- Poxy McPoxface – Andrew Yi’s playful nod to the infamous “Boaty McBoatface” saga.
- TRUMP-22 – A tongue‑in‑cheek nod to former US President Donald Trump, re‑imagined as “Toxic Rash of Unrecognised Mysterious Provenance 2022.”
- OPOXID-22 – Harvard Medical School’s Jeremy Faust’s technical take, showcasing the clinical vibe.
- Other clever and quirky pitches – From science‑driven barcodes to rip‑off cameos of pop culture.
Three early submissions that poked at the gay community were promptly removed to keep the discussion respectful.
How the Decision Will Be Made
The WHO will weigh each suggestion on scientific validity, acceptability, pronounceability, and translatability across languages. Chaib promises no “ridiculous” topping off the list, but the final outcome remains on the docket.
Monkeypox in Context
Discovered back in 1958 and christened after the first animal sample, the disease has seen a surge in the last year. WHO declared this outbreak a public health emergency last month, reporting over 32,000 cases across 80+ nations. It’s the first time monkeypox’s reach has gone beyond West and Central Africa.
What’s Next?
Once the WHO finalises the choice, the new name will be rolled out under the International Classification of Diseases. It might also see the same fate as the virus’s internal variants, which were previously renamed from region‑based labels to Roman numerals.
Stay tuned, because whether it ends up in the closet as “Mpox” or leashes ourselves into the delightful absurdity of “Poxy McPoxface,” the WHO aims to choose a name that keeps the science clear and the humanity intact.
