Can a Virus Discriminate?

The current Covid-19 pandemic continues to disrupt the lives and health of people around the globe. In the US, cases have increased and a second wave has hit its most populous cities. Research about the impacts of the pandemic in the US have provided evidence that marginalized communities and minorities are disproportionately affected by the pandemic. In this episode, we discuss the research findings from various sources that indicate Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Indigenous, and other minorities are disadvantaged due to systematic inequalities In healthcare, labor force, and housing. These factors have created environments where the marginalized communities have a greater risk of exposure to, and illness from Covid-19. We correlate the findings in disproportionate access, to our evaluation of the current situation in Afghanistan. The pandemic has unveiled many flaws in the social and economic systems in nations around the globe. Countries such as Afghanistan, have had a slim fighting chance from the start. But within the conversation, we highlight the resilience and unity of communities in Afghanistan who have taken public health initiatives in their own hands, in order to educate their communities and prevent the spread of Covid-19. The discussion of Covid-19 will continue for quite some time, and our conversation of the ongoing pandemic isn’t quite overdue.