Opinion: Repeating history is a choice. On mpox, let’s choose not to

Another global crisis is underway, driven by a virus appearing in countries around the world. It is already responsible for thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths, with the burden falling primarily on some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, including children and sex workers. The World Health Organization has declared a new public health emergency of international concern, and while technologies exist to help stop the outbreak in its tracks, a slow and inequitable global response, entrenched stigma and lack of resources could allow the virus to continue spreading.

Sound familiar? The latest mpox crisis echoes the devastating AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics, which continue because of short-sighted nationalism and barriers that prevent countries and people from accessing health technologies and care.

History repeating itself is not inevitable, but a choice. We can execute an urgent and equitable response to mpox that is grounded in human rights and does not force countries to mortgage their futures.