Green co-chair Jeremie Vaneeckhout calls on the governments of our country to join forces in the fight against the monkeypox virus that mainly affects men who have sex with men.

"Just as the governments in this country must do everything in their power to prevent infections with the virus, it is also their duty to suppress the looming stigma associated with the virus. In addition to vaccines, there is therefore a particular need for communication and awareness-raising, both among the rainbow community and among the general population," says Vaneeckhout, who advocates a specific information line for people with questions about monkeypox. With the first infections with the monkeypox virus, the first statements about promiscuous behavior and personal reproaches against gay men also surfaced. "It is unacceptable that individuals use a virus to stigmatize. For that reason, it is necessary to communicate correctly and widely, in order to stop both the virus and the prejudices that accompany it,' says Vaneeckhout. 'Minister Crevits needs to shift up a gear in that area because things are going too slowly now.' The Groen co-chairman is also critical of minister Crevits' announcement this morning that an information line has been started, but which is actually nothing more than the general information number of the Flemish Government. Vaneeckhout: 'Three months ago, the first case of monkeypox was diagnosed in our country. For three months there has been concern among the gay community. Today the minister finally announces an information line, but if you call that number, you will hear a selection menu that monkeypox is not even part of. That is anything but accessible', denounces Vaneeckhout. "People should be able to call a direct number with questions about the virus." In addition to communication, Vaneeckhout emphasizes the importance of vaccination. The Groen co-chairman therefore makes an appeal to Vooruit minister Frank Vandenbroucke because there are currently only a limited number of vaccines available in Belgium. "If COVID has taught us one thing, it's how important vaccines are. It is good that a large number of vaccines are on the way, but it is a pity that they are still waiting, so that many men themselves take the initiative to get a vaccine across the border. That is something that should absolutely be avoided in the future.' Vaneeckhout calls on the federal government to coordinate and coordinate at European level. 'Research needs to be done to distribute the vaccines that are available more quickly across Europe, instead of them currently concentrated in a number of countries.' Claim your spaceThis weekend, the queer community takes to the streets of Antwerp for the Antwerp Pride: an annual gathering of the rainbow community that once started as a struggle for equal rights. Groen joins the Pride with the slogan 'Claim your space' to emphasize the struggle for equal rights, which is still being waged today. The Green co-chairs - Nadia Naji and Jeremie Vaneeckhout - will both be present at the Antwerp Pride.