Dr Rosalind Eggo Awarded £1.9 Million for Research on Health Disparities and Infection Risk in England
Dr Rosalind Eggo, an Associate Professor of Infectious Disease Modelling at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), has secured funding of over £1.9 million to lead a research project focusing on the drivers of health disparities and associated infectious disease burden across England. The funding comes through the prestigious UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF).
Health disparities refer to preventable differences in health outcomes that may arise due to various factors such as income, ethnicity, education, age, gender, or disability. Dr. Eggo’s research aims to enhance our understanding of the distribution of infections and chronic diseases among different groups in England. The project will investigate the factors associated with an increased risk of infection and the subsequent development of chronic diseases, including barriers to healthcare access and health disparities observed among ethnic groups.
Utilizing the OpenSAFELY research platform, the study will analyze electronic health records data from more than 20 million individuals across England. To ensure a comprehensive approach, the research team will collaborate with patient advisors who will share their experiences and contribute to the study.
In addition to data analysis, the research project will also develop transmission models to evaluate potential interventions that could address the identified health disparities. These interventions may include changes to vaccination programs or improved access to treatment.
Dr. Eggo, who is also the co-Director of the Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases (CMMID) at LSHTM, highlighted the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for unequal infectious disease distribution. The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the disparities present in the UK healthcare system, emphasizing the need for further research into the factors contributing to these differences. Dr. Eggo pointed out that variations in health outcomes across different groups and geographic regions can have long-term implications on public health.
By identifying health disparities and their contributing factors, the research project aims to develop real-world interventions that improve health outcomes for all individuals. The insights gained from this study will not only benefit England but also have global implications as they contribute to a broader understanding of health disparities and infectious disease burden.
Dr. Eggo’s project is one of 75 selected for funding as part of the UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellowship program. This program supports individuals tackling major global issues through their research and innovation endeavors. The fellowship provides long-term support and training to empower talented researchers and innovators.
Looking ahead, there will be two more rounds of fellowships available for researchers to apply, with deadlines expected in the summer of 2024 and 2025. The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will release a pre-call announcement for round 9 in the coming weeks, encouraging researchers to seize the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects.
The research led by Dr. Eggo will play a critical role in bridging the gap in our understanding of health disparities and infection risk. By addressing the underlying factors and developing tangible interventions, this project aims to improve health outcomes for all individuals across England. The findings from this study have the potential to shape public health policies and contribute to the global fight against health inequalities and infectious diseases.
