Using Science to Advance Health Equity

Chibuzo U. Enemchukwu, M.D., M.S.
Senior Research Scientist, Department of Psychology
Hunter College, The City University of New York
Visiting Fellow
The Rockefeller University

Health equity means that EVERYONE has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Achieving health equity requires us to acknowledge and address the social determinants that affect health, such as poverty, discrimination, and access to quality education, safe environments, and health care. The COVID-19 pandemic has called attention to many of the root causes underlying health inequities and disparities in our society. We have witnessed more COVID-19-related hospitalizations and poorer outcomes among racial/ethnic minorities and the socially disadvantaged. As scientists, we have a unique opportunity to use our science to address these inequities; and ensure that our work contributes to a higher and more equitable standard of health for everyone.

Chibuzo U. Enemchukwu, M.D., M.S., is an infectious disease physician and implementation scientist based in New York City. She is a Senior Research Scientist at the Hunter Alliance for Research and Translation at Hunter College of the City University of New York, an Attending Physician and Clinician Educator in Correctional Health Services of NYC Health and Hospitals, and Visiting Fellow at The Rockefeller University. Dr. Enemchukwu’s work centers around HIV and health equity and how to best deliver evidence-based interventions to diverse communities. She works closely with other clinicians, social and behavioral scientists, city-wide health departments, and community-based organizations to develop, implement, and evaluate socially and culturally relevant interventions to improve health outcomes in diverse populations.