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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CHR urges Filipinos not to blame LGBTQI community over spread of Mpox virus

CHR urges Filipinos not to blame LGBTQI community over spread of Mpox virus

Published Jun 3, 2025 02:39 pm

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has urged the public to be more cautious in dealing with the monkeypox (Mpox) disease as some Filipinos believe that the infection spreads because of different sexual orientation.

"Ang maling impormasyon, diskriminasyon, at prejudice laban sa iilang komunidad, tulad ng LGBTQI community, ay nagdudulot lamang ng takot at pangamba sa nakararami at hindi nakasasagot sa tunay na problema. (Misinformation, discrimination, and prejudice against certain communities, such as the LGBTQI community, only create fear and anxiety for the majority and do not address the real problem)," the CHR warned.

Instead of stigmatizing the LGBTQI community, the CHR urged Filipinos to keep an open mind instead and expand their understanding about Mpox in order to avoid the disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has described Mpox as "an infectious disease that can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain and low energy."

Since 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 911 cases in the Philippines. People grew worried because of the high numbers, but the DOH said people should focus on the "epidemic curve" as there were less than 50 cases reported in May compared to over 50 in April.

Some people started to wear masks again, which the DOH said would not help as Mpox is spread from skin-to-skin contact. However, the CHR grew concerned when it heard false reports about the Mpox virus being spread because of different sexual orientation.

"Ang Mpox ay hindi pumipili ng kasarian (Mpox does not choose genders)," the CHR said on social media. "Ito ay isang sakit na maaaring makaapekto sa sinuman -- anuman ang iyong kasarian, sekswal na oryentasyon, o katayuan sa buhay. (It is a disease that can affect anyone -- regardless of your gender, sexual orientation, or life status)."

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