Making the Case for Data Collection that distinguishes the ethno-cultural identity of those living and dying with Covid 19: then taking action

It's not news that global societies are unequal and that these disparities have a significant negative impact on mental and physical health status. What is news? Despite the knowledge that communities who are impacted by racism live and die disproportionately from health conditions, that data collection and action to solve these problems is not routine.

As a public health researcher and policy analyst, I have carried out research and policy work globally and within Canada with communities who live with racism. Many in Indigenous communities, those of African heritage, South Asians, Latin Americans and others--face the impacts of racism: violence, poverty, stigma and ill health, both mental and physical.

Collecting data that provides an accurate picture of who is living and dying with Covid 19 will help us to design programs, collaboratively with racialized communities. Data collection, however, is just the first step; analysing it and co-creating health system and community responses are critical next steps.

In this interview, I argue that this ought to be standard public health practice: collect disaggregated data and take action to meet the needs of those whose health is compromised:

https://www.pri.org/file/2020-04-23/calls-covid-19-racial-data-worldwide

#publichealth #racism #data #policy #action