The COVID-19 pandemic in an interdependent world: Digital health as a tool for equity and gender empowerment

ABSTRACT

Throughout history, pandemics have paved the way for the development of public health. The current COVID-19 pandemic is no different as it is taking advantage of our flat and interconnected world, posing a threat to global health at a pace as never seen before. This chapter presents an analysis of how digital health and gender empowerment can bridge the inequity gap caused and sustained by disparities related to social determinants of health. COVID-19 has struck certain groups disproportionately;this has increased the need for availability and accessibility of health services. Our findings suggest that COVID-19 is a gender-sensitive virus relying on access to digital health means. Multiple examples and case studies are provided to illustrate the relationship between inequity, gender, and digital health. Moving forward, the pandemic has crystallized the need for paradigm shifts. In this regard, the achievement of equity in health is one of the only ways to control and ultimately eradicate COVID-19 in order to leave no one behind. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.