How does geographic distribution impact the availability of epidemiologists?
The geographic distribution of epidemiologists is uneven, with a higher concentration in urban and high-income regions. This disparity can result in:
- Underrepresentation in Rural Areas: Rural and low-income areas often face a shortage of epidemiologists, which can impact the effectiveness of public health initiatives and disease surveillance. - Global Inequities: Low- and middle-income countries may struggle to attract and retain qualified epidemiologists, exacerbating global health disparities and hindering efforts to control infectious diseases.