Monkeypox Spreads Across 12 Countries, Exposing Global Health Inequalities
The world is on edge as monkeypox—a rare viral infection traditionally tied to central and west Africa—has now spread to at least 12 countries across five continents. This rapid escalation has sparked alarm among health experts, but it’s not just a public health crisis; it’s a stark reminder of the deep-seated inequalities that persist in our globalized world.
A virus knows no borders, but access to healthcare certainly does
Monkeypox is not new, but its appearance outside Africa is a worrying development. In recent weeks, cases have popped up in countries like Britain, Spain, Germany, and even as far as Israel and Brazil. For many, the suddenness of this outbreak has been jarring. But what’s perhaps most disturbing is how the response to it reflects—and reinforces—the existing divides between rich and poor nations.
In Europe, where the majority of cases have been reported, governments are scrambling to roll out vaccines and containment measures. Meanwhile, in low-income countries with weaker healthcare systems, the lack of resources leaves populations vulnerable. The irony is bitter: while European youth queues form outside vaccination centers, communities in African nations—where monkeypox has long been a threat—are often left to fend for themselves without access to basic medical care or information.
Marginalized voices are raising alarms
The rise of monkeypox isn’t just a health issue—it’s also a story of marginalization and neglect. For years, advocates have warned that diseases originating from the Global South are too often ignored until they reach the shores of wealthier nations. This time is no different.
“Monkeypox is a wake-up call,” says Dr. Aisha Ali, a public health researcher based in Nigeria. “It shows how disconnected our global response to disease really is.” Many experts argue that the international community’s focus on COVID-19 has diverted attention and resources away from other critical health crises, leaving monkeypox to fester unchecked.
Europe’s youth are leading the charge for change
Amidst this growing crisis, a new wave of activism is emerging—this time led by young people in Europe. From social media campaigns to public awareness initiatives, they’re demanding that their governments do more to address both the immediate health threat and the underlying inequalities it exposes.
“We can’t just treat monkeypox as a ‘Western problem,’” says Marco, a 23-year-old from Rome who’s been organizing community workshops on the virus. “It’s about recognizing that global health is tied to global justice.” Marco’s message resonates with many of his peers, who see monkeypox not just as an isolated incident but as part of a larger narrative of systemic neglect.
What needs to change?
The unfolding situation underscores the urgent need for a more equitable approach to global health. This means investing in healthcare infrastructure in underserved regions, ensuring that marginalized communities have access to education and resources, and prioritizing collaboration over competition when it comes to vaccines and treatments.
For Europe, this means rethinking how we engage with the rest of the world. It’s not enough to focus on borders; we need to think about borders between different economic classes, different ethnic groups, and different nations. Because until we address these divides, viruses like monkeypox will continue to thrive—and so will the inequalities they expose.
The time to act is now. Monkeypox isn’t just a health crisis—it’s a call to arms for those who believe in fairness, solidarity, and justice. Let’s not let this opportunity pass us by.
About the Author:
Tobias Müller is Multimedia Producer at our publication. Journalist and multimedia producer with a focus on European youth movements and digital culture. Tobias uses innovative storytelling techniques to engage younger audiences.
Journalist and photographer with a focus on Middle Eastern youth and their cultural contributions. Aisha’s work bridges traditional and modern storytelling in the region.
Writer and researcher specializing in Asian arts and migration stories. Bella’s work explores how young Asians are shaping global culture through their experiences.
Reporter with a background in investigative journalism, focusing on human rights and social justice. Luis has worked across Latin America and Europe, uncovering stories that resonate globally.
Sarah is a seasoned journalist with over 15 years of experience in global news and media. She has led teams in some of the world’s most challenging reporting environments, bringing a vision for storytelling that connects cultures and empowers voices.