Monkeypox slammed as 'completely inappropriate term' in Manchester as World Health Organisation vows name change

Monkeypox has been slammed as a 'completely inappropriate term' by Manchester leaders. The comments come as the World Health Organisation (WHO) says it is coming up with a new name for the virus after more than 30 scientists wrote the 'urgent need for a non-discriminatory and non-stigmatising name.

The illness is seeing a rise in the UK as of the latest figures published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on Tuesday, June 21. In the North West, cases have risen by more than five times in just two weeks - from less than five to 26.

Greater Manchester has seen a suspected case be reported in Wigan, however it is understood that there have been no other suspected cases reported elsewhere in the region so far. Manchester City Council has today (June 22) shared its plan to deal with the latest increase.

READ MORE:'Concerned' medics have a plan to deal with Monkeypox if it spreads to Greater Manchester

During last month's health scrutiny committee, new Green Party Woodhouse councillor Astrid Johnson questioned whether Manchester City Council should be lobbying for a name change amid fears that the narrative about gay people perpetuated during the HIV and AIDS pandemic will be repeated as news of monkeypox emerges. The concerns were shared by fellow councillors, including Harpurhey's Pat Karney.

"The WHO are now talking about renaming it. I think we all would approve of that because it's a completely inappropriate term", said Councillor Joanne Green, the chair of Manchester City Council's health scrutiny committee in an update for the group this morning.

The WHO confirmed last week that is it working with experts to come up with a new name for monkeypox. The move follows a host of international scientists writing a