Access to infectious disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment is highly variable depending on populations and healthcare system. The issues of financial access, remoteness from healthcare institutions, limited laboratory facilities, social disparities, lack of qualified healthcare workers prevent timely diagnosis and limit access to appropriate healthcare. During this session we will consider different social, economic, cultural and structural determinants that affect the risks of infectious diseases and their outcomes among underserved populations.
The session will focus on equitable access to vaccinations, diagnostics, antibiotics, preventive measures and information regarding public health. Possible topics may include rural healthcare, screening in communities, culturally sensitive communication, health literacy, strategies to decrease stigma associated with infectious diseases. Scientists will have an opportunity to discuss how health policy and resource allocation, telehealth services and collaboration with community organizations could help in providing access to necessary healthcare services.
Researchers working in the fields of public health, healthcare, social sciences and community health organizations are welcome to discuss the issues and share evidence on reducing disparities. Possible presentations could cover health equity assessment, community engagement initiatives, service delivery strategies and intervention evaluation related to underserved populations.