Diagnostics Apartheid

B2 – Upper Intermediate

According to a recent report by the People’s Vaccine Alliance, some wealthy countries have been hoarding testing tools for Mpox and COVID-19.

This has lead to “diagnostics apartheid” wherein vaccines have not been readily available to everyone and the lack of testing in developing countries have been more apparent.

Read the article on how rich countries’ hoarding of medical test kits has caused inequality in access to testings in developing countries.

https://www.euronews.com/next/2023/02/02/health-experts-warn-of-a-diagnostics-apartheid-as-rich-countries-hoard-testing-tools

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “burdensome” mean, “… developing countries were left unable to buy supplies because of high prices and in the case of COVID-19 and “burdensome intellectual property rules” on PCR test components.”? Give 2 synonyms of ‘burdensome’. Also try to use this word in your own sentence.
2. What does “apartheid” mean, “This research clearly lays out the system of diagnostics apartheid that emerged, where people in developing countries could not afford the price of tests…”? Use this word in your own sentence.
3. What does “glimmer” mean here, “After the collective trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have a glimmer of hope.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on wealthy countries hoarding testing tools for Mpox and COVID-19?
2. What are the consequences of diagnostics apartheid?
3. Is the expansion of access to diagnostic tools for all diseases a good resolution? Share your opinion.
4. Share your stand on: “In the next pandemic – and in the remainder of this one – testing needs to be made available as a matter of human rights.”.
5. Do you think the same inequality will be repeated in the next health crisis? Explain your thoughts.