ADVANCING EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Through these endeavors, our research and professional activities consistently aim to promote health equity, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations. By integrating advanced technology, advocating for inclusive health policies, and conducting impactful research, we are committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the global health landscape.
Promoting Health Equity through Global Health Research
-
Ebola Research in Low-Income Countries: We have published several papers on Ebola in Africa, focusing on policy questions that address the needs of low-income countries. These studies highlight the importance of equitable healthcare interventions in regions with limited resources, emphasizing how tailored policies can mitigate the spread of diseases in vulnerable populations.
-
COVID-19 and Socioeconomic Disparities: Our publication on "Human mobility and poverty as key drivers of COVID-19 transmission and control" in Israel underscores the need to prioritize populations from low socioeconomic status in pandemic response strategies. This research directly aligns with the principle of equity by advocating for targeted interventions that protect the most vulnerable.
-
Cross-Border Influenza Vaccination Subsidy: In a publication on the cost-effectiveness of cross-border influenza vaccination, we advocate for Israel to fund vaccination programs in Palestinian territories. This research highlights the importance of cross-border health initiatives in achieving equitable health outcomes.
-
HIV Early Infant Diagnosis in Tanzania: Our research on optimizing sample referral networks for HIV early infant diagnosis in Tanzania offers an indirect prioritization approach to improving healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings. This work addresses the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly in improving health outcomes for infants.
Advocacy for Global Vaccine Equity
-
Nature Human Behaviour Letter on Vaccine Inequality: In our letter titled "Vaccine inequality benefits no one," published in Nature Human Behaviour, we highlighted the global disparity in COVID-19 vaccine distribution. We argued that while developed countries secured multiple vaccines for their populations, low-income countries were left vulnerable, which not only exacerbates global health inequities but also poses a risk to global public health by facilitating the spread of variants.
Wearable Technology for Health Monitoring
-
Company Focused on Migraine Management: As the cofounders of Wizermed, a company focused on managing migraines, our work leverages wearable technology to provide continuous health monitoring. This technology is particularly important for individuals in lower socioeconomic groups, who are disproportionately affected by migraines. By reducing the reliance on more expensive healthcare services, these wearable devices help make advanced migraine management more accessible to a broader population, including those with fewer financial resources.
-
Infectious Disease Monitoring: Our research extends to the use of wearable technologies for the early detection of infectious diseases. These devices can monitor physiological signs indicative of infection, enabling timely interventions that reduce the spread of disease and improve outcomes, particularly in underserved communities where access to healthcare is limited. This approach helps to prevent outbreaks and ensures that vulnerable populations receive timely and effective care.
-
PTSD Alert Systems: Addressing PTSD through equitable access to care and support systems is essential for reducing mental health disparities, empowering vulnerable populations, and promoting broader social and economic equity. We are also involved in developing wearable technology systems for monitoring and managing PTSD. These systems can provide real-time alerts based on physiological indicators of stress, offering immediate support to individuals at risk. This technology is particularly valuable for populations with limited access to mental health services, providing them with a critical tool for managing their condition and improving their quality of life.
Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations in Policy Research
-
HCV Treatment for Injecting Drug Users: Our policy work on Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) treatment emphasizes the need to account for the higher risks faced by injecting drug users. This research advocates for policies that specifically target and support this vulnerable population, ensuring they receive equitable access to healthcare.
-
Tdap Vaccination During Pregnancy: We have also published on the importance of Tdap vaccination during pregnancy, which plays a critical role in protecting both mothers and newborns from preventable diseases. This research supports public health initiatives aimed at increasing vaccination rates among pregnant women, ensuring broader protection for vulnerable populations.