Behavioural and cultural insights for mpox control and elimination: policy brief No. 3, 30 November 2022

Abstract

The WHO Regional Office for Europe mpox policy brief series summarizes policy recommendations, knowledge and interim technical guidance on key policy areas related to the mpox public health emergency of international concern in the WHO European Region. The first two briefs in the series provide an overarching set of considerations for the mpox response and for planning related to vaccination against mpox. Following a series of consultations with global experts, WHO has begun using a new preferred term “mpox” as a synonym for monkeypox and has changed the policy brief series name accordingly. Both names will be used simultaneously for one year while “monkeypox” is phased out. This third policy brief in the series describes how behavioural and cultural insights may be used to support broader mpox control and elimination strategies in countries. Such an approach requires carefully tailored policies, interventions and communication, based on an understanding of the behaviours, perceptions and context of priority populations, including health workers.