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There is a complex interplay between infectious disease outbreaks and the stigmatization of affected persons and communities. Outbreaks are prone to precipitating stigma due to the fear, uncertainty, moralisation, and abatement of freedoms associated with many infectious diseases. In turn, this stigma hampers outbreak control efforts. Understanding this relationship is crucial to improving coordinated outbreak response. This requires valid and reliable methods for assessing stigma towards and within impacted communities. We propose adopting a cross-outbreak model for developing the necessary assessment tools. A stigma-informed approach must then be integrated into outbreak preparedness and response efforts to safeguard public health and promote inclusivity and compassion in future outbreaks.

Original publication

DOI

10.3389/fpubh.2023.1303679

Type

Journal article

Journal

Front Public Health

Publication Date

2023

Volume

11

Keywords

emerging infectious diseases, epidemic, infectious disease outbreaks, pandemic preparedness, stigma, Pandemic Preparedness, Disease Outbreaks, Social Stigma, Public Health, Fear