Plug COVID-19 research gaps in detection, prevention and care

Type Journal Article Author Trudie Lang URL https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02004-1 Rights 2020 Nature Series World view Volume 583 Issue 7816 Pages 333-333 Publication Nature Date 15/07/2020 Extra Number: 7816 Publisher: Nature Publishing Group DOI 10.1038/d41586-020-02004-1 Library Catalog www.nature.com Language en Abstract More than 2,000 COVID-19 clinical trials have been registered around the world. At least 90% are in wealthy nations, most looking at treatments in hospitals. These studies are needed, and the speed and collaboration involved have been amazing. But we must mind the gaps. It is a familiar story: in general, 90% of research helps less than 10% of the global population. The first funding rounds in my nation, the United Kingdom, were assessed according to the impact that the research would have here only. The first push of big global money was geared almost entirely towards drugs and vaccines. But we need other studies. What is the best way to implement social distancing and hand washing in urban slums in which many families share a toilet? When people fail to stay at home or seek medical care, is it because they do not trust public-health messages or because they need to earn money for food?