Inequality predicts worse pandemic outcomes, global study finds

A global study presented at AIDS 2026 concludes inequality best predicts pandemic outcomes, with wider income gaps linked to worse HIV and COVID-19 performance. The Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemics found countries with wider income gaps consistently performed worse during both crises, regardless of standard health security measures. Inequality spreads disease, limits healthcare access, erodes trust, and exposes vulnerable groups. The report urges governments to make reducing inequality, expanding social protection, strengthening community-led responses, and ensuring equitable access to health technologies central to pandemic preparedness.