Racism and discrimination in COVID-19 responses

CORRESPONDENCE | THE LANCET | VOLUME 395, ISSUE 10231, P1194, APRIL 11, 2020

• Delan Devakumar
• Geordan Shannon
• Sunil S Bhopal
• Ibrahim Abubakar

“The strength of a health system is inseparable from broader social systems that surround it. Epidemics place increased demands on scarce resources and enormous stress on social and economic systems. Health protection relies not only on a well functioning health system with universal coverage, but also on social inclusion, justice, and solidarity. In the absence of these factors, inequalities are magnified and scapegoating persists, with discrimination remaining long after. Division and fear of others will lead to worse outcomes for all.”

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