How You Can Have a Direct Impact on Reducing The Devastating Racial Disparities of COVID-19 - On-Demand

 

Ethnic and racial health disparities continue to plague minority population across several countries resulting in worse health outcomes as reflected in the current COVID-19 crisis. Many ethnic minorities experience low socioeconomic deprivation, poorer healthcare experiences and low health insurance coverage which contribute to inadequate healthcare utilisation and therefore increase in long-term illnesses. These persistent ethnic health disparities have been well known for many decades, but often systematically ignored. The onset of COVID-19 exposes, once more, the racial fault lines that have been the norm in many countries' health systems, and social and economic policies. 

In order to minimize or avoid more ethno-racialized health inequalities revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it would be necessary to perform an intersectional study of socio-economic variables and social determinants of health. Socio-economic factors that have a negative effect on health outcomes in underserved minority populations must be identified and contextualized within the background of historical, political, social and economic remits.

As a COVID-19 healthcare service delivery nurse i can have a direct impact on the overall health, quality of life and life expectancy of minority populations However not all groups and certainly not all racial minorities in the USA, Singapore and Norway have fair access to such treatment. The root cause of the unequal treatment of minorities in healthcare facilities, in particular but not solely African Americans, Asians and Hispanics, would need to be identified and progressive initiatives aimed at narrowing access and treatment inequalities implemented in ways that promote buy-in from all interested stakeholders. As more nations become more populous, ensuring a diverse and culturally responsive health workforce will become increasingly vital.20 Health care providers need to be well-equipped and well-informed to meet the health needs of growing minority groups, particularly during outbreaks such as COVID-19.