Responses to COVID-19 - Call for Case studies

As the global fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues, it is clear that the virus is affecting different sectors of society in different ways. Very often it is the poor, disenfranchised and minority populations that are affected by a disproportional amount of suffering. While universal healthcare, along with other policy responses such as temporary financial support, have sought to address these issues, the underlying social determinants of health often remain – and will continue to do so unless specific action is taken. In this regard, the World Health Organization (WHO) – in collaboration with the Sustainable Health Equity Movement (SHEM) initiative – is now seeking submissions of case studies that illustrate attempts to reduce inequities caused by COVID-19. The best/most impactful studies from around the world (about 20-30) will be published in a special collection.

The publication will be developed in a two-step process:

• Contributions from governments, academia, NGOs, individuals, etc, are invited. These should take the form of a short overview of the case study and be should be submitted using this online form. The deadline for submissions is 31 October 2020.
• After review by a Selection Committee convened by SHEM and WHO, authors of the best/most impactful case studies will be contacted and invited to participate in Step 2 – the preparation of full-length case studies (up to 2,000 words). Submissions of these full-length case studies will be reviewed and edited for clarity and style before publication by WHO and SHEM.