Indigenous Australians at increased risk of COVID-19 due to existing health and socioeconomic inequities

Article by Aryati Yashadhana et al. The Lancet.

July 24, 2020.

The rapid spread of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the associated coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has placed extreme pressure on health systems, governments, and economies. Heightened risk of COVID-19 severity and mortality among Indigenous and ethnic minority communities in the United States (U.S), the United Kingdom, and Brazil, emphasises existing and pervasive global health inequities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (hereafter Indigenous) Australians experience some of the worst health outcomes worldwide. Due to a range of existing health and socioeconomic inequities that increase vulnerabilities, Indigenous Australians are at heightened risk of mortality if infected with SARS-CoV-2, when compared to non-Indigenous Australians. The subsequent impact of the pandemic on mental health, and exposure to racism, among Indigenous Australians must also be carefully considered.