Journal article
Equity in epidemic response: an action-oriented framework for guiding public health in equitable responses to major infectious disease emergencies
International journal for equity in health, Vol.24(1), 69
03/12/2025
DOI: 10.1186/s12939-025-02433-2
PMCID: PMC11900141
PMID: 40075487
Abstract
Background
A rapid and equitable response is paramount to mitigating the spread and impact of an infectious disease public health emergency. Unfortunately, public health responses often integrate equity as a secondary component rather than a foundational one—a decision that can result in disproportionate effects of the epidemic on vulnerable populations and that may further fuel or worsen the ongoing health emergency. This paper introduces a framework grounded in health equity principles to guide the design and implementation of response efforts during infectious disease emergencies.
Methods
The Equity in Epidemic Response framework was developed by critically appraising and synthesizing several established models into an integrated framework, with active engagement from health professionals specializing in epidemiology, medicine, global health, mental health, community health, and health policy.
Results
The framework covers six high-impact areas that should be addressed during an infectious disease public health emergency: community partnerships and engagement; communication; social and economic conditions; data systems and methods; health infrastructure and supply chains for preventives, therapeutics, and diagnostics; and accessibility of outbreak resources and essential health services. Key priorities and assessment indicators within each area were identified.
Conclusions
Given the increasing threat of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, this framework reinforces the need to prioritize equitable approaches in responding to infectious disease public health emergencies to minimize health consequences, particularly among vulnerable populations. This framework is designed as a practical tool for public health professionals to guide major aspects of an epidemic response, ensuring thorough and equitable implementation of response efforts.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Equity in epidemic response: an action-oriented framework for guiding public health in equitable responses to major infectious disease emergencies
- Creators
- Precious-Junia de-Winton Cummings - 145 N Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242 USAKelly K. Baker - Center for Health and Gender EquityLeah Appell - University of Iowa Health CareMarina Del Rios - 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242 USADaniel J. Diekema - University of IowaTricia Kitzmann - 145 N Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242 USANaomi Marroquin - Proteus, Incorporated, 1121 Center St. Suite 16, Des Moines, IA 50309 USAGus Raymond - Storm Lake Community School District, 419 Lake Avenue, Storm Lake, IA 50588 USAMartha L. Carvour - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- International journal for equity in health, Vol.24(1), 69
- DOI
- 10.1186/s12939-025-02433-2
- PMID
- 40075487
- PMCID
- PMC11900141
- NLM abbreviation
- Int J Equity Health
- ISSN
- 1475-9276
- eISSN
- 1475-9276
- Publisher
- BioMed Central
- Grant note
- University of Iowa Strategic Initiatives Fund Public-Private Partnership Grant Program
The authors would like to express their gratitude to Bailey Goodman for her assistance with notetaking during the virtual sessions. We would also like to thank Elsy Barahona Portillo for her support with early literature searches on health frameworks. Finally, we thank Aloha Wilks for her help in contacting potential collaborators.
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 03/12/2025
- Academic Unit
- Occupational and Environmental Health; Infectious Diseases; Epidemiology; Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center; Community and Behavioral Health; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9984800193202771
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