Due to homophobia, Russia rules out the risk of MPOX

Anna Popova, head of Russia’s consumer watchdog Rospotrebnadzor, has said the country does not face any significant risks related to MPOX, attributing this immunity to Russia’s “traditional values.” In a video posted on Russia’s Telegram channel, Popova suggested that the crackdown on LGBT+ people is a factor in minimizing the threat of the disease.

The statement comes amid an outbreak of MPOX that began in 2022 and has spread primarily among men who have sex with men, including gay and bisexual men. However, experts warn that the disease can affect anyone, regardless of sexual orientation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared MPOX a global health emergency, highlighting the rise in severe cases in Central Africa. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the need for a coordinated international response to contain outbreaks and save lives.

Despite this, Russian authorities remain confident that the disease does not pose a significant threat to the queer-hating country.

By Ezatamentchy