Community-Led Responses to Mpox Among Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Men in Canada

Mapping the Collaboration of Community-Based Organizations, Public Health, and Clinicians

Dados Bibliográficos

ID14994009
AutoresEmerich Daroya (0000-0003-2024-4240, La Trobe University), MacKenzie Stewart (0000-0001-9149-1076, University of Toronto), Edward Ou Jin Lee (0000-0001-6987-4142, Université de Montréal), Yoanne Metabanzoulou (Université de Montréal), Jad Sinno (0000-0002-8252-0223, University of Toronto), Tin D Vo (0000-0002-5909-7789, University of Toronto), Joshun Dulai (0000-0002-7637-1882, University of Toronto), Oghenetega Ubor (University of Toronto), Joseph Cox (0000-0002-7041-1556, McGill University), Joseph A Cox (McGill University), Caley Shukalek (0000-0002-2271-0914, University of Calgary), Ahmed Hamila (0000-0002-9099-1711, Université de Montréal), Cornel Grey (0000-0002-8721-9536, Western University), Darrell H S Tan (0000-0002-3069-2875, St. Michael’s Hospital), Daphne Grace (0000-0002-9032-3959, University of Toronto, autor correspondente), Daniel Grace (0000-0002-2318-0038, University of Toronto, autor correspondente)
Ano2026
Páginas10497323251403505-10497323251403505
Data de publicação2026-01-19
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
EditoraSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/10497323251403505
PMID41553183
OpenAlexW7124681056
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas29

Since 2022, a global mpox outbreak in non-endemic countries, including Canada, has spread rapidly, mainly affecting gay, bisexual, and queer men (GBQM). With mpox primarily transmitted through sexual and close physical contact, concerns emerged over the replication of early responses to HIV/AIDS, which was initially labeled as a “gay disease,” perpetuating ongoing negative stereotypes and discrimination against GBQM. To prevent potential social and health-related stigmatization, institutional actors, including public health authorities, community-based organizations (CBOs), and clinical bodies, collaborated to provide guidance and promote culturally informed responses. We aimed to examine how health institutional collaborations were formed and maintained as challenges emerged during Canada’s mpox outbreak response. We conducted 30 online individual interviews and six small focus groups with 48 CBO practitioners, public health personnel, and clinical providers across Canada. Data were analyzed using institutional ethnography and actor–network theory, through indexing, which involves categorizing and consolidating categories. We mapped four interrelated networks of coordination: assembling the network through existing HIV infrastructures; co-developing public health messaging to increase cultural sensitivity to GBQM’s lived experiences; negotiating vaccine eligibility criteria to reflect community realities; and mobilizing networks to deliver vaccines in GBQM community–friendly settings. Regional differences in public health infrastructure influenced the development of coordination, messaging, and access to care. Findings highlight how relational infrastructures developed for HIV were reactivated and repurposed during the mpox response. Investing in and maintaining strong community and public health relationships outside of crisis periods can improve future responses to health emergencies affecting GBQM communities and other marginalized populations

Ethnography · Focus group · Health equity · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV · Men who have sex with men · Negotiation · Public health · Qualitative research · Queer · HIV Research and Treatment · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Poxvirus research and outbreaks