LGBT+ groups demand the Health Secretary Steve Barclay increases efforts to combat monkeypox
(Picture: PA Wire)LGBT+ groups from across the political spectrum on Friday joined forces to demand the Government increase efforts to combat monkeypox or risk it becoming “endemic” in the UK.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay is coming under pressure to take action due to monkeypox “causing real fear and anxiety” within the LGBT+ community.
“We are united as LGBT+ groups from across political parties in asking that the Government treat the monkeypox outbreak as a public health emergency,” a letter to Mr Barclay signed by the LGBT+ groups for Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Greens and Scottish National Party said.
“We have the tools required to stop this outbreak and prevent further risk to health. We ask that you do so urgently.”
The letter, which was also signed by sexual health charities including the Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “We need clear, non-stigmatising messaging, delivered direct to GBMSM (gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men) about the symptoms of monkeypox and what to do if you suspect you have the virus to inform and reassure people.”
The authors, who included the Tories’ Luke Black and Labour’s Matthew Lloyd, added: “Vaccinating those most at-risk must be a priority if we are to stand a chance of preventing the virus from becoming endemic in the UK.”
The charity’s head of policy Ceri Smith said: “We need to see far better coordination, increased vaccine procurement, improved delivery and a cash injection to sexual health services to treat monkeypox.”
Vaccination experts have recommended that gay and bisexual men at higher risk of exposure to monkeypox be offered the smallpox vaccine.
