Throughout 2022–2023, WHO provided guidance and support to communities newly affected by mpox, including gay men, bisexual men and other men who have sex with men, trans and gender-diverse people and sex workers. This technical brief provides key findings from an electronic survey designed to identify their fears and concerns, adaptive changes in sexual behaviour resulting from mpox, access to mpox diagnosis and vaccination and individual experiences of mpox.

The survey identified high levels of mpox-related concerns among affected communities, which translated into widespread, temporary adaptations of people’s sexual behaviour to manage their risk. Survey data analysis also identified insufficient and unequal access to mpox testing and vaccination services across settings. People’s self-reported experience of mpox highlighted the role of stigma and discrimination in increasing the emotional distress produced by the physical symptoms of the illness.

Findings from this survey provide valuable insights into the experiences and needs of the affected communities and emphasizes the importance of increasing access to vaccination and diagnostics globally. Tailored risk communication and community engagement strategies are essential to respond effectively to future outbreaks and protect at-risk individuals and communities.