Slowed progression: The utility of Test to Treat initiatives in improving the neglected inequities of COVID-19 among racially/ethnically minoritized groups

Abstract

In the United States, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in more than 95 million infections and 1 million deaths (as of September 2022), with individuals of racially/ethnically minoritized groups being disproportionately represented among these numbers. Despite the apparent pandemic fatigue in many communities, systemic and structural racism continue to place racially/ethnically minoritized groups at a disadvantage for overcoming the virus, especially as it relates to receiving vaccinations and COVID-19 targeted therapeutics. Test to Treat programs have the potential to mitigate these disparities by rapidly identifying the presence of a COVID-19 infection and readily offering treatment options. Nonetheless, Test to Treat programs must be optimized to adequately address the limitations to care within racially/ethnically minoritized communities.