Infectious Disease Prevention & Public Response

What we do:

This team was formed as a rapid response initiative within the College of Health Solution to respond to COVID-19 with the aim of addressing the many different facets brought on, or exacerbated, by the pandemic within the state of Arizona. Research projects within this group span from bench to bedside and community intervention and are centered around improving outcomes for our communities.

Who we are:

Our team pulls together researchers from many disciplines (epidemiology, healthcare delivery, biology/microbiology, informatics, nutrition and more) along with healthcare providers and community organizations to address the many diverse issues associated with COVID-19.

Why it’s important:

COVID-19 represents a problem that affects the health of the population through acute illness and impacts on the health system that can disrupt ongoing care for chronic illness. The United States has had over 96 million cases of COVID-19 with over 1 million deaths. Over 31,000 people in Arizona have lost their lives due to this illness. This doesn’t include those who have died as a result of being unable to get healthcare for other health issues due to the burden of treating COVID-19 patients. It affects vulnerable and minority populations to a great extent and can thus worsen disparities in care in the community. The after effects of COVID-19, known as Long-COVID, are also a growing concern and create long-term health issues and disability for patients. The presence of COVID-19 and its many variants means we need to continue to research and develop new medicines, vaccines, and solutions that work for all peoples.

Leadership