The International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID) stands against all forms of discrimination, including racism. As an international non-profit organization registered in the US representing vulnerable populations worldwide, we recognize that structural racism is a public health crisis. As protests continue to erupt globally, we stand in solidarity with the Black community and support the global movement against racism against all people of color.

Infectious diseases impact Black, indigenous, and people of color communities globally and in the US. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic highlights this health disparity. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Black population has been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in the US, resulting in hospitalization at a rate 4.5 times higher than non-Hispanic white populations. Inequitable access to healthcare services, underlying comorbidities, and jobs considered “essential” during the pandemic have all contributed to these poor health outcomes.

ISID commits to:

• Advocating for universal healthcare and global access to diagnostics and therapeutics
• Collaborating with colleagues and organizations around the world who are committed to address health disparities to best serve diverse populations
• Supporting infectious diseases and public health professionals in their work to improve health for vulnerable populations
• Working to diversify our governance, leadership and staff of ISID

We recognize that as a society, we have work to do in helping to reduce the disparities that perpetuate poor health outcomes. We are listening, learning, and standing against all forms of racism in the US and around the world.