In July, according to the latest updates from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 491 new cases of Monkeypox reported in mainland China in July, and there was only 106 in June (CDC, 2023). Because of the sharp increase in the number of infected people, society is slowly beginning to pay attention. Under this circumstance, we devised both online and offline initiatives and designed relevant materials, ensuring our activities reach diverse age groups and audiences. Within the community, we conducted a educational lecture, launched social media accounts to share visual, textual and video content, and created promotional brochures for distribution.
In order to disseminate knowledge about synthetic biology, we conducted educational activities in the Tianlin community in Shanghai, targeting children aged 7 to 12. We strategically selected a topic that would be relevant both to our project, the Monkeypox Virus Inhibitor Testing Kit, and the daily lives of children in this age group: drugs.
Introduction to Drug Development
In our community activities, we briefly introduced the principles of drug development by using the example of SSRI drugs, which are mood stabilizers in the brain, and low levels of serotonin can lead to depression. We compared serotonin (a neurotransmitter) to the happy substance in the brain and taught the children about the basic structure and function of neurons and neurotransmitters through crafts and drawings.
Understanding SSRI Principles
Then we briefly introduced the principle of SSRI: After carrying a message, serotonin is usually reabsorbed by the nerve cells (known as "reuptake"). SSRIs work by blocking ("inhibiting") reuptake, meaning more serotonin is available to pass further messages between nearby nerve cells. After briefly introducing the principle, we played a small game in which the children played the role of serotonin and our group members played the role of SSRIs. Through this game, we brought the children into our classroom and enlivened the classroom atmosphere.
Exploring the Drug Development Process
Following the introduction to basic medication principles, we proceeded to explain the drug development process. We briefly described the steps involved in drug design and optimization, clinical trials, and ultimately, the launch and ongoing improvement of drugs.
Positive Feedback
Finally, we got very good feedback from children and parents. After the lecture, the staff of the community also communicated with our team members, and they highly affirmed the content and form of our activities.
Figure 1-3 Offline education
Our team has strategically divided our online campaign into two components: articles and short videos. Videos capture attention and emotions, while articles provide depth and detail.
Raising Public Awareness on Zhihu and Xiaohongshu
Through the collection of street surveys and online comments, we found that there are still many people who do not know what monkeypox is. In order to tell people more about what monkeypox is and whether monkeypox can be prevented, we have published some posts on Zhihu and Xiaohongshu to let people understand monkeypox more intuitively, and the main reason for choosing these two platforms is that they are both picture-based, and people are more willing to browse the pictures on these platforms to get information.
Figure 4-5 Online education
Latest Progress in Monkeypox Vaccine: We have gathered and disseminated recent developments related to the monkeypox vaccine. This serves the purpose of alleviating public panic and anxiety concerning monkeypox.
Monkeypox-Related Papers: Our campaign involves the exploration of monkeypox-related research papers, which encompass introductions, historical context, and methods for preventing and controlling monkeypox. This comprehensive approach aims to provide people with a well-rounded understanding of monkeypox.
Transmission Routes of Monkeypox: We have integrated the transmission route of monkeypox to tell people more specifically what behaviors or occasions they can easily be infected with monkeypox, so as to enhance people's understanding of monkeypox and reduce the spread of monkeypox.
Infographic Design: Additionally, we have designed few infographics to disseminate fundamental information effectively. This visually appealing format aids in conveying key points and simplifies complex concepts for a wider audience.
Figure 23a&b Infographic
Educational Short Videos on Monkeypox
At the same time, in order to help more people understand how Monkeypox spreads, who is more vulnerable to it, its symptoms, and ways to prevent it, we shot and produced short videos. Currently, most of the information of Monkey pox virus is "Intimidating propaganda" that scares people who see it, for example, in the comment section of a TikTok video explaining Monkeypox symptoms, many people get scared because fever, fatigue, rashes, and pustules are mentioned. Some worry that if they get infected, they'll have these pustules that could affect their appearance. Because many people do not know much about monkey pox, they can only listen to the doctor say, that monkey pox is a very terrible virus, has a great impact on life, causing a certain degree of social panic. Through our research and interviews, we've learned that Monkeypox is a self-limiting disease, and the chances of long-term effects are relatively low, so many people don't need to panic about it.
We took the first short video based on this content. Simply tells about the reason of the patient's illness, because of the irregular life and low immunity, So he got monkey pox. But the symptoms are not very serious, only to take some medicine and rest for two weeks on the disease. So Monkey pox isn't always severe, most of them are mild, and the video was also made to eliminate panic. Based on the latest data from the World Health Organization as of September 11, 2023, it has been found that 83% of confirmed monkeypox cases have a history of male-male sexual contact (WHO, 2023). And according to our social survey, many people think of gay men when they comes to monkey pox patients, this became a stereotype. In order to reduce this phenomenon, we write a follow-up plot from the previous part. The patient went to the hospital for examination and dared not tell the cause. Finally, the doctor enlightened him to tell the cause and cured the disease, and the people around him also became understood them. Due to time constraints, the second half of the video has not yet been filmed and we have posted the first half.
Through the live-action short video, we aim to help people get a more scientific understanding of Monkeypox and reduce discrimination and bias against Monkeypox patients. In the end, our videos gained approval from the online community.
While our team recognizes the importance of online communication, we understand that offline methods are still effective. In this regard, we have developed tri-fold brochures in both Chinese and English versions to engage with our local community.
Brochure Contents
These brochures are designed to provide valuable information about Monkeypox and include several key sections: "What is MPOX?" "How to Diagnose MPOX?" "How to Prevent Infection?" "How does MPOX Spread?" and "Treatment of MPOX."
Distribution Strategy
We printed a total of 500 copies of these brochures and strategically placed them in various locations within our community. These locations include hotels, fast-food restaurants, office lobbies, tourist attractions, subway stations, and gyms. Our distribution approach were twofold:
Fixed Locations: In places like fast-food restaurants and office lobbies, we positioned the brochures for individuals to take at their convenience.
Figure 7 We put our brochures in hotels, fast-food restaurant and the lounge areas of office
Mobile Locations: In locations like subway stations and tourist spots, we directly handed them out to the public. Concurrently, if they showed interest and had time, we engaged in conversations to provide educational information on the content.
Positive Feedback and Community Support
These on-ground activities have yielded immensely positive feedback. Many individuals within our community have expressed that they gained a more comprehensive understanding of the Monkeypox virus through our brochures. Furthermore, they have conveyed their support for our promotional efforts.
Figure 8 People were reading our brochures
Attachment 9 brochure
Through a comprehensive blend of online and offline educational communication campaigns, we successfully disseminated knowledge about synthetic biology, pharmaceuticals, and monkeypox. By actively interacting with citizens through both digital and physical platforms, we effectively engaged a wide cross-section of the population and enhanced their understanding of synthetic biology and our specific project.
On September 8th, according to the latest data, mainland China reported 501 new confirmed cases of monkeypox, including the first female patients, with a total of 5 female cases (CDC, 2023). We hope that our educational efforts can continue to help more people understand and prevent monkeypox.
Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, August 9). Monkeypox Epidemic Monitoring Report for June 2023. https://www.chinacdc.cn/jkzt/crb/qt/szkb_13037/gwjszl_13092/202308/t20230809_268502.html
Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, September 8). Monkeypox Epidemic Monitoring Report for June 2023. https://www.chinacdc.cn/jkzt/crb/qt/szkb_13037/gwjszl_13092/202309/t20230908_269405.html
World Health Organization. (2023, September 12). 2022-23 Mpox (Monkeypox) Outbreak: Global Trends. https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/mpx_global/.