Everyone, equally, has a human right to health. However, our health systems, communities, and nations do not support people’s health equally or equitably.

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly underscored health disparities: SARS-CoV-2 infections and associated deaths differently affect women, service workers, economically disadvantaged people, and other population groups. Yet, even in the best of times, discrepancies in power, resources, and decision-making prevent people and communities from benefiting equally. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these discrepancies are being exacerbated and the health of many communities is suffering.

As global health professionals working across Africa, we assert that only through diversity in many forms can we ensure solidarity and effectively address these unconscionable inequities.