The Inequality of COVID-19

The Inequality of COVID-19: Immediate Health Communication, Governance and Response in Four Indigenous Regions explores the use of information, communication technologies (ICTs) and longer-term guidelines, directives and general policy initiatives. The cases document implications of the failure of various governments to establish robust policies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in a sample of advanced and low-income countries. Because the global institutions charged with managing the COVID-19 crisis did not work in harmony, the results have been devastating. The four Indigenous communities selected were the Navajo of the southwest United States, Siddi people in India, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia and the Maasai in East Africa.

Although these are all diverse communities, spread across different continents, their base economic oppression and survival from colonial violence is a common denominator in hypothesizing the public health management outcomes. However, the research reveals that national leadership and other incoherent pandemic mitigation policies account for a significant amount of the devastation caused in these communities.

"This book details inequalities of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a special focus on communication efforts and four distinct Indigenous communities…. The book provides worthy and needed insight into the management of COVID-19…. With chapters focused on representing Indigenous cultures and governances, the authors outline the information and communication technologies and government actions of COVID-19 in four distinct areas. [A]ims to provide a preliminary display of government artifacts for social communication…. The book ties documented government communications into a narrative of COVID-19 policy and management for four Indigenous communities…. Clear writing and detailed backgrounds of the governments included enhance the quality of the book's research. Tables throughout the book display artifacts of government communication and response efforts…. Important for scholars in public health, policy, and international affairs…. [U]nique in its field of COVID-19 communication inequalities, [and] the book is the first of its kind and a valuable resource." —©Doody’s Review Service, 2022, Kathryn A Ross, BS, MSN (Haverford College)