IDSA and HIVMA Applaud New Administration Monkeypox Coordinators, Call for Funding and Improved Vaccine Supply and Access

IDSA and HIVMA look forward to working with Robert Fenton and Dr. Demetre Daskalakis to strengthen the response to the monkeypox outbreak in the United States in their new roles as the White House monkeypox response coordinator and deputy coordinator, respectively. 

As monkeypox cases top more than 5,800 across 48 states, there is no time to waste. We urgently need an enhanced and better-coordinated plan to drive our response, including new federal funding and resources for states, cities, health care systems, and sexual health and community-based clinics to support the ramp up of testing, vaccinations and treatment access.

While we have seen some progress in vaccine supply and treatment access, much more is needed to ensure we can equitably reach all of those in need and stop the spread of the virus. Most concerning is that stigma and discrimination continue to help drive this outbreak. Our public health education, messaging and reporting must be clear. Monkeypox is spread by close physical contact. No one community is biologically more at risk than another. 

Daniel P. McQuillen, MD, FIDSA — President, Infectious Diseases Society of America