COVID-19 can disproportionately affect those who are already impacted by social, ethnic and gender inequalities. Existing inequalities map onto increased exposure to risk, both in their susceptibility to the disease, the severity of the illness, and in the response to treating them.

COVID-19 is more likely to affect vulnerable groups, and is likely to be more severe in many of those cases. Inequalities of access (to treatment and to technology) will further heighten the disproportionate impact of COVID-19.

We must learn from existing evidence and experience, both to identify those exposed to greater risk and to prioritise research and policy solutions to mitigate these effects.

We illustrate this with examples from the work of VOCAL, creating opportunities for people from all walks of life to find out about, and have a voice in, health research in Greater Manchester

For further background information, see how inequalities are affecting the response to COVID-19.

Speakers: Arpana Verma, University of Manchester and Bella Starling, VOCAL.