Table 3 Proposed multi-term plan for integrating social, mental, and behavioral interventions into the Mpox response, using the ‘Adapt, Protect, Connect’ framework.
Framework component | Staggered plan component | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Â | Short-term (Immediate outbreak response) | Medium-term (During outbreak) | Long-term (Future preparedness) |
Adapt | Deploy social science rapid response teams and behavioral scientists to conduct real-time surveillance of community perceptions and needs. | Embed social scientists and community engagement specialists into existing public health teams. Establish flexible funding mechanisms for community-led initiatives. | Reform public health education to include social and behavioral epidemiology. Integrate SDH analysis into all infectious disease preparedness plans. |
Protect | Immediately provide accessible, confidential mental health support and psychosocial first aid for individuals in isolation and high-risk communities. | Develop targeted mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions for specific populations affected by stigma. Embed MHPSS services within routine public health clinics. | Establish permanent public health programs dedicated to the mental health impacts of infectious diseases. Advocate for long-term funding for behavioral health research. |
Connect | Launch transparent, empathetic, and culturally competent risk communication campaigns using trusted community messengers. Actively counter misinformation in real-time on social media platforms. | Build and maintain trust through consistent, two-way communication channels with communities. Establish formal community advisory boards to provide ongoing feedback. | Institutionalize community engagement and trust-building as a core function of public health policy and practice. Develop global policy frameworks for equitable information sharing. |
