Infectious Disease
Covid
By leveraging technology for infectious diseases, we can directly contribute to mitigating the devastating effects of outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. A focus on infectious diseases such as Covid-19, HIV, and others not only strengthens the response to immediate crises but also establishes a foundation for long-term preparedness and bolsters global healthcare resilience for future threats.
The Covid Disparities Working Group (CDWG), formed in 2020 as a response to the growing pandemic, is a multidisciplinary coalition working to reduce redundancy and overlap in research and speed the publication of findings. Coordinated by PHiL and comprised of private sector companies, academic institutions, and multilateral and non-governmental organizations, the CDWG sought to rapidly respond to and disseminate information on the impacts of Covid. Nearly four years into the pandemic, the world remains reliant on the availability of such data.
Using technology-based methods for rapid data-gathering and analysis, the CDWG produced a first-of-its-kind study that sought to characterize the impact of Covid on LGBTQ+, providing empirical evidence of increased socioeconomic, physical, and psychological vulnerability among 40,000 people. The widely disseminated data accentuated the unique challenges of LGBTQ+ individuals and demanded targeted, ameliorative approaches. A non-exhaustive list of the ongoing work as a result of the CDWG includes:
Opening IAS Plenary – “Socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 in Vulnerable populations”
COVID White Paper (current post)
“When one pandemic disrupts another: the story of the coronavirus and HIV” – Washington Post, 2020
“Global study finds pandemic exacerbates inequities for trans people” – Washington Blade, 2020
Economic, mental health, HIV prevention and HIV treatment impacts of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 response on a global sample of cisgender gay men and other men who have sex with men – AIDS and Behavior
Address Exacerbated Health Disparities and Risks to LGBTQ+ Individuals during COVID-19 – Health and Human rights Journal
Experiences of violence and discrimination among LGBTQ+ individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic: a global cross-sectional analysis – BMJ Global Health
HIV treatment engagement in the context of COVID-19: an observational global sample of transgender and nonbinary people living with HIV – BMC Public Health
Intimate Partner Violence Victimization During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among a Global Online Sample of Sexual Minority Men – Journal of Family Violence
Persistent disparities in COVID-19-associated impacts on HIV prevention and care among a global sample of sexual and gender minority individuals – Global Public Health
Emerging infections
The SARS-CoV-2 virus and the ensuing COVID-19 pandemic exposed just how uncoordinated and unprepared the world was for a crisis of that magnitude. The risk of pandemic only continues to grow, exacerbated further by climate change, changing land use, deforestation, and other factors. According to experts, the question is not whether there will be another pandemic in the future, but when. The need to retrofit systems with modern technology to predict and prepare for the next pandemic is paramount; while the consequences of inaction will far exceed those from COVID-19.
Leveraging technology for early detection, remote treatment, and swift diagnoses will be a cornerstone to responding to future pandemics and minimizing disparities. Additionally, by utilizing predictive AI models, internet-surveillance and other remote technology, it’s possible to better predict when and where the next pandemic will arise.