Policy Statement
Monkeypox Outbreak Highlights Dangers of Failing to Fund STD Clinics
Most communities lack the resources needed to identify monkeypox cases
Monkeypox Outbreak Highlights Dangers of Failing to Fund STD Clinics
Most communities lack the resources needed to identify monkeypox cases
For Immediate Release: May 23, 2022
Contact: Elizabeth Finley, efinley@ncsddc.org, 919-749-7309
Washington, D.C. — As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) responds to a new outbreak of monkeypox, The National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD) fears the nation’s health and safety will be compromised by the lack of resources available to diagnose and treat cases of the virus.
In response, David C. Harvey, executive director of NCSD, released the following statement:
“As the nation experiences the first cases of monkeypox, underfunded sexual health clinics around the country are being asked to prepare for a possible surge in urgent healthcare needs. Unfortunately, by counting on a limited number of healthcare providers to aid in response to an infectious disease outbreak, we will be severely underprepared for the months ahead.
“NCSD has called on Congress to provide $200 million to fund a dedicated network of sexual health clinics to combat the epidemic of STDs. The monkeypox outbreak highlights what we are missing by failing to fund this critical infrastructure. An effective response to monkeypox will require dedicated clinics that can diagnose and treat common STDs and tell the difference between widespread infections like syphilis and new outbreaks like monkeypox. The monkeypox response will also require a system of providers whom patients can trust to approach with sexual health symptoms and clinics that function as culturally competent partners in community health. Unfortunately, the nation is relying on a system that does not exist.
“Monkeypox is a wake-up call. The nation has failed to respond to the epidemic of STDs, putting too little into prevention and nothing into dedicated clinics as STD rates continue to rise. As the nation faces a new outbreak that puts our stretched system on the front lines, we’re faced with the reality that we don’t have the clinics we need to protect the nation from a virus that could have deadly consequences.”
Background
On Friday, the CDC asked clinicians providing sexual healthcare to be on alert, noting that the earliest symptoms in the current outbreak may look like symptoms of common sexually transmitted diseases like herpes or syphilis, a divergence from the virus’ traditional pattern of symptoms. Patients are being asked to seek care for any unusual genital lesions or rashes and to be aware that monkeypox can spread through close physical contact, including sexual contact.
