Pulse Oximeter is a non-invasive and painless technique for determining your oxygen saturation level or the amount of oxygen in your blood. It can detect even small variations in the efficiency with which oxygen is transported to the extremities furthest from the heart, such as the legs and arms.
A pulse Oximeters is a little clip-like device worn on the toes or earlobe. It's normally worn on one's finger and is commonly used in emergency rooms and hospitals. Some doctors, pulmonologists, may use it in the office.
Uses and purposes
Pulse Oximeters are devices that measure how efficiently your heart pumps oxygen throughout your body.
It can be used to monitor the health of persons in hospitals who are suffering from any illness that affects blood oxygen levels. These are some of the circumstances.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Pneumonia
• Carcinoma of the lungs
• Anemia
• A heart attack
• Congenital heart defects
Pulse Oximeters is used in a variety of situations, including the following:
How does it work?
A little clamp-like device is put on a finger, earlobe, or toe during a pulse Oximeters reading. The amount of oxygen in the finger is measured by little beams of light passing through the blood. It accomplishes so by detecting variations in light absorption in oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. This is a simple procedure.
As a result, pulse Oximeters can tell you your oxygen saturation levels as well as your heart rate.
How Oximeters pulse is helping people in covid?
If a person has a mild case of COVID-19 and is self-treating at home, Oximeters can be useful for monitoring oxygen levels and detecting low oxygen levels early. People with pre-existing lung disease, heart disease, and/or obesity, as well as active smokers, are theoretically more at risk for oxygen problems.
Furthermore, because "happy hypoxia" can occur in otherwise asymptomatic individuals, pulse Oximeters can help ensure that this clinically silent early warning sign is not disregarded.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and are concerned about any developing symptoms, contact your doctor right once.
Aside from the objective pulse Oximeters measurements, I tell my patients that if they have any hard breathing, acute chest pain, uncontrollable coughing, or dark lips or fingers, they should go to the emergency room.
Pulse oximetry readings
In most circumstances, pulse oximetry is a fairly accurate test. This is especially true when working with high-tech equipment present in most medical offices and hospitals. It consistently generates findings that are within 2% of what they genuinely are.
Your true oxygen saturation level could be anything between 80 and 84 percent if your result was 82 percent. However, the quality of the waveform and the individual's judgment must be considered.
We only live once, but if we want to live a healthy life, we must do it right. High blood pressure is one of the most common health problems that people face. It is not to be taken lightly, as it can result in a variety of heart diseases.
In addition to taking the prescribed medications and maintaining a healthy diet, you should monitor your blood pressure regularly. Investing in a high-quality blood pressure machine will provide the most accurate results.
If you're unsure about which BP machine to buy, we've covered the best BP machines in the following article. We hope that our suggestions and reviews will assist you in maintaining your health.
Best BP Machine in India 2021
The brand, durability, mechanism, and accuracy of BP machines can all vary. To help you make an informed decision, we've put together detailed product reviews for the top ten BP machines.
The following reviews are objective and unbiased. The products were chosen after thorough market research and analysis.
1. Dr. Morepen BP02 Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor
Dr. Morepen BP02 Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor is an automatic digital blood pressure monitor that accurately measures your blood pressure. This blood pressure measuring device is designed to be worn on the arm and is lightweight and user-friendly.
The oscillometric method of measurement is used to determine the systolic and diastolic blood pressures as well as the pulse frequency.
Furthermore, this blood pressure machine averages the previous three readings and has a memory capacity of 120 records. This device can also check for irregular heartbeats, and its super Comfort Inflation technology ensures that the patient is not irritated while using it.
In addition, the monitor's high-low classification indicator is useful. This blood pressure monitor has been clinically tested to provide quick and accurate readings, and it has a two-user interface.
2. AccuSure AS Series Blood Pressure Monitoring System with Automatic and Advanced Features (White)
The AccuSure AS Series blood pressure monitor is a simple to use, fully automatic device that takes readings with a single touch. This clinically validated BP machine has an extra-large LCD and uses a high-precision strain gauge sensor system for easy and accurate monitoring.
This device is lightweight and has a latex-free cuff, making it comfortable for the patient. However, it can only store 60 readings in memory, which is significantly less than the other BP monitors on the list.
The device not only displays blood pressure readings but also keeps track of pulse rate and irregular heartbeats. Last but not least, it includes a WHO classification indicator to help you better understand your readings.
3. Rossmax GB102 Aneroid BP Machine Blood Pressure Monitor
The Rossmax GB102 Aneroid Blood Pressure Monitor is the last item on this list. This is an aneroid sphygmomanometer in the classic sense.
The main advantage of employing such a gadget is the cost savings it provides. Second, it is a small piece of equipment that is simple to operate.
In addition, it comes with a stethoscope. It is, however, optional to utilize. However, if you work in the medical profession, this extra feature will be really useful.
It will produce a clear sound for both heartbeats and blood pressure. This compensates for the easier and more beneficial use.
Let's discuss the device's materials. On both sides, there are four layers of insulation. This guarantees that you are comfortable and protected. Chrome-plated brass is used for the air release valve.
The cuff is constructed of latex-free material, which makes it a good choice for people with sensitive skin. It's big and stretchy enough to fit arms with a range of sizes from 24-32 cms.
The artery mark will aid you in maintaining the cuff's position. This will assist you in obtaining precise measurements.
4. Omron HEM 7361T Bluetooth Digital Blood Pressure Monitor
This is essential medical equipment to have at home because it is well-known for its versatility and ability to provide the most accurate readings. Many users have benefited from it because it aids in the detection of afib. If you have elderly relatives living with you, you can easily monitor their heart conditions and get the most up-to-date information.
The dual user function allows users to have a complete check of their heart for stroke risks with just one device, as well as store and transmit measurement data from two different users to their smartphones.
5. BPL Medical Technologies BPL 120/80 B18 Digital Blood Pressure Monitor with USB Compatibility (White)
The BPL B18 Digital Blood Pressure Monitor is another impressive and budget-friendly blood pressure monitor on our list. It is fully automatic and operates on the oscillometric principle for precise measurements and accurate results.
The machine is small and light, and it has body movement and visual error alerts to help deliver more accurate readings.
This device is more useful because it has a dual power source of battery and electric cord. Furthermore, the universal cuff is latex-free, making it more comfortable for patients.
This device also has a high-low classification indicator to help you assess your blood pressure using the WHO standard table. This device, which can be operated with a single touch button, detects irregular heartbeats and has a dual user memory that can store up to 100 recordings.
6. Hicks N-900 digital blood pressure monitor (White)
Hicks' Intelligent N-900 Digital BP Monitor is a simple to use blood pressure monitor. The device is a battery-powered monitoring system that is simple to operate. It also has a handy feature that allows you to save past blood pressure readings for future reference, so you don't have to keep track of them manually every time.
It has a big LCD screen with enough brightness to display clear and easy-to-understand readings. The device is highly accurate and includes a pulse rate indicator as well as measurements for systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
When there is a movement that affects the measurements, the device shows the problem and helps to improve accuracy.
7. Equinox Digital Blood Pressure Monitor EQ-BP-101
It’s entirely automatic and digital nature ensures that you get very quick and accurate systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. It's also been clinically tested for its incredibly precise measures. It has a wide display that allows senior persons to view the readings easily.
The arm cuff is constructed of a soft material that is comfortable and does not irritate the skin. It can save 120 records for two users and displays the average of the last three readings. This device is also beneficial to persons who suffer from hypertension.
The EQ-BP-101 blood pressure monitor from Equinox is a convenient and practical instrument for monitoring blood pressure at home. Many people who want to keep track of their health without leaving the comfort of their homes may find this item useful. This monitor is extremely light, weighing only 345 grams.
The digital LCD is large and simple to see. Systolic, diastolic, and pulse values are displayed on the monitor. The arm cuff is comprised of a soft cloth that may be wrapped over your upper arm easily.
8. Medtech Blood Pressure Monitor
Blood pressure is the force caused by the passage of blood throughout your body. Blood pressure rises while your heart beats, forcing blood through your arteries. The pressure decreases as your heart relaxes.
Because of this, Blood pressure is measured with two numbers. To control hypertension or high blood pressure, most people use the finest blood pressure monitors at home. Thankfully, checking one's blood pressure is simple with the Medtech life top blood pressure monitor.
The Medtech life BP 09N Best Automatic BP Monitor has a large LED display and is powered by 4 AAA batteries or a USB adapter. Inflation and deflation are entirely automated, and there is a 90x2 group memory for dual users. It's perfect for checking blood pressure at home, at work, or even on the go.
How to test, read, and use blood sugar test strips is explained here.
Blood glucose monitoring is an important part of diabetes treatment for both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients (diabetes mellitus). Without the assistance of a healthcare expert, most persons with diabetes monitor their blood glucose levels regularly at home. Here's a quick rundown of how glucose meters and glucose testing function.
It's time to take a blood sugar test. On the table is your glucose meter. You place a new test strip in your lancing device, load a new lancet into your lancing device, snap the tiny needle into the side of your finger, and squeeze until a small quantity of blood forms a red dome.
You drop of a blood to the strip's edge and wait for your glucose monitor to count down to reveal a real-time blood glucose reading. A number with significance. That number has the potential to alter the trajectory of your entire day. It could perhaps only be a temporary roadblock until the next finger-stick.
You did an excellent job! You've done your part in diabetes control and self-monitoring. Have you ever wondered how this important diabetes technology functions?
1. How your blood sugar is measured by your glucose meter
A capillary in blood glucose test strips suctions the blood into the test strip. The blood sample is combined with a glucose oxidase enzyme at an enzyme electrode, and the glucose meter generates an electrical current. The amount of glucose in the blood sample is proportional to the charge going through the electrode. So, if your test results show 90 mg/dL, your blood contains 90 milligrams of glucose per deciliter.
2. Alternative site testing
Because of the large concentration of nerves in the tips of the fingers, they are extremely sensitive. Many people draw blood from different places to escape the agony. Due to the highly precise findings from these blood glucose readings, most blood glucose meters were designed to be used with capillary blood collected from a finger prick.
Alternate site testing (AST) has been approved for some meters, including all of the meters we sell. AST is blood obtained from sites other than your fingertips, such as your palm or arm.
If you're interested in AST, check the instructions on your meter to see if it's approved for alternate site testing before making the switch.
3. Accuracy of a glucose meter
When you use a Glucometer to test your blood sugar, the result gives you an estimate of how much glucose is in your blood. The FDA has a medical device accuracy criterion for all glucose monitoring devices, which states that glucose meters must show values that are within 20% of a laboratory result 99 percent of the time (ours is within 15 percent, 99 percent of the time).
Temperature, amounts of other chemicals (such as ascorbic acid) in your blood, traces of other elements on your skin (such as food residue), water, heat, and the age of your test strips (check expiration date) are all factors that can affect the accuracy of your blood glucose monitor's results.
4. Why control solution is important
You can see why a control solution is vital once you understand the process. The control solution ensures that the enzymes on the test strips have not been harmed. As previously stated, the enzyme on test strips is extremely susceptible to environmental influences.
It's difficult to know whether environmental conditions have changed the enzymes on test strips once they've been transported from the plant. If one is affected, the entire batch has been dispatched.
To ensure that your strips are in good condition, use a control solution on the first strip you draw from a new container.
India's Best Blood Glucose Meter
Even if diabetes may not appear to be lethal, it can create major health issues if it is not managed properly. As a result, diabetes individuals must monitor their blood glucose levels frequently to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
As a result, carrying a portable Glucometer with you is a practical way to monitor how different prescriptions function and gain a better understanding of your diabetes.
A glucose meter, often known as a glucometer, is a very useful gadget. It's a handy, portable tool for tracking blood sugar levels and adjusting medications, food, and other factors as needed. Furthermore, it is simple to operate. It is critical to select the most precise blood glucose meter available on the Indian market.
The top 5 best glucometer machines in India, as studied and assessed, are listed below. We've also included a buying guide to assist you in selecting the finest product.
The Top 5 Best Blood Glucose Meters in India are listed below.
1. Accu-Chek Instant S Glucometer
It is one of India's best glucometers. It includes ten free strips. It may be linked with the app wirelessly. It has a target range indication that might provide visual comfort. This function can be used to customize the gadget to match your needs or to set personal goals.
The minimum blood sample required for this equipment is 0.5 mg/dl.
When compared to other glucometers, its test strip has the biggest dosage window and absorbs blood efficiently.
Pros
• Personalized apps and wireless (Bluetooth) synchronization
• Measuring blood sugar levels accurately
• Edge test strips that are simple to use
• Visible window that is easy to read
Cons
• This product's test strips are difficult to come by.
• Market.
2. AccuSure Simple Glucometer
Last but not least, a basic Glucometer from AccuSure. No, this is not to be confused with Accu-chek; they are two separate companies, but this one has earned the last slot on our list for good cause.
For starters, the meter comes with a slew of useful functions, all at a very reasonable price. This is the greatest meter for anyone on a tight budget who doesn't want to sacrifice features or accuracy.
A 4th generation BG monitor is featured on the display, which displays time and smiley indicators to help you comprehend the test results better. The display is wide and easy to read, and the accuracy meets the required standards.
Each of the 25 test strips in the strip vial is of higher quality, absorbs blood samples faster, and improves accuracy. It features a long shelf life and a strong case that provides better overall protection.
Aside from that, it includes a large memory of 1000 test results as well as a strip ejection feature. Not only that, but it also includes early symptoms of ketone alert, which helps to avoid any further difficulties.
While inserting the strip into the slot, the strip indicator notifies you, and the readings are processed in eight seconds, which is a little faster than most basic Glucometers we've examined.
Overall, the meter has a good range of functions and accuracy, as well as a lifetime warranty, although coding requires considerable effort.
Pros
• The meter has a lifetime warranty and is simple to use.
• Durable case with high-quality test strips
• Accurate and timely test results
• Ketone Alert feature
Cons
• No automatic coding
• Strips are costly.
3. GlucoOne Blood Glucose Monitor by Dr. Morepen
It's a blood glucose monitoring system that uses biosensors. The results are instantaneous and need only a small amount of blood.
If you're searching for a glucometer that's a little less expensive, this is a great option. It also has a huge screen that makes reading the results simple. The readings are only displayed for 5 seconds.
This device has the extra benefit of being able to save up to 300 prior readings for future use.
It also comes with a long guarantee and is an easy-to-use and convenient device.
Pros
• No coding technology is required.
• It results in an average of 7, 14, and 31 days.
• It comes with a Morepen Lifetime Warranty.
Cons
• There may be fluctuations sometimes.
• The strips aren't always available.
4. One Touch Select Plus Simple Glucometer
If you're looking for a glucometer that's simple to use and comprehend, this is the tool for you.
It's a straightforward product using colorSure technology. This makes determining blood sugar levels much easy.
It uses three colors to represent the readings. The color blue indicates that blood sugar levels are low, green indicates that blood sugar levels are normal, and red indicates that blood sugar levels are high.
It has a five-year track record of accuracy and complies with international standards.
Pros
• The device is simple to operate.
• There are thirteen depth choice settings for easier operation.
• The ColorSure technology makes it easy to accurately determine blood sugar levels.
• It also contains an alert system, which is useful for new users.
Cons
• There are no substantial disadvantages.
5. One Touch Ultra Glucometer
One Touch Ultra is the foundation product for Life Scan’s One Touch Ultra series of blood glucose monitoring devices. It is a blood glucose monitoring device for patients with diabetes.
One-Touch Ultra Blood Glucose Meters offer five-second blood glucose test results, as well as numerous memory and flagging options. Plasma values are used to display the results.
When employing alternative site testing, One Touch meters are sold in kits that include a carry case, a lancing device, a control solution, sample quantities of lancets, and a replacement cap for use with the sampling device.
In terms of design and operation, the One Touch Ultra 2 Meter is identical to the One Touch Ultra Meter, but it also includes Before and After Meal Flags, Comments, and a list-style memory recall. This meter also offers 7-day, 14-day, and 30-day averages, as well as the option of averaging before and After Meal recordings.
The Life Scan One Touch line currently consists of two items. They are the One Touch Select plus Flex meter and the One Touch Plus meter, both of which are code-free and use the same blood sugar strips.
Pros
• Large screen that is simple to use and read
• Slim, lightweight, and compact design
• Good connectivity and features.
• A little blood sample is required.
• The case is solid, and the test strip is of good quality.
Cons
• Some useful functions that could have been added to the meter are missing.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Blood Glucose Meter in India
Are you having trouble deciding which blood sugar testing machine is the best? Don't be concerned! We've developed a list of the most important considerations to make before selecting the right glucometer for you.
Keeping the following considerations in mind, you may choose the best blood sugar meter brand for you from the list above.
Let's take a closer look at these elements!
The most important element to consider when purchasing a glucometer is whether it is simple to maintain. A glucose meter that requires a lot of care can be cumbersome to take around.
Doctors have a wealth of knowledge and can recommend the most accurate glucose meter. They will also recommend a glucose meter with additional features based on your health concerns, such as those with ketone detectors.
Keeping track of your blood sugar levels can help you determine whether a particular medicine or way of living is good for you. As a result, you should make sure that any glucose meter you buy preserves records of your blood sugar level for a long period before you buy it.
A glucose meter's main purpose is to display the test results in a matter of seconds so that you don't have to waste time. As a result, it's critical to check how long the product takes to exhibit results.
If you ask someone in this generation what the best investment or thing they ever want is, the majority will reply it's being healthy. Living a healthy and balanced life is today not just a goal of many fitness enthusiasts, but also of many others who desire to live a disease-free life.
Diabetes is the most common disease that affects people of all ages. Desserts and sweets can make controlling blood sugar levels nearly difficult at times. You can still live a diabetic-free life if you exercise frequently, eat a healthy diet, and keep your weight under control.
It's also important to use a Glucometer to check blood sugar levels frequently to avoid developing a dangerous condition.
There are many different brands of Glucometer on the market. We've picked two well-known brands, Accu chek guide and active, and compared them in this article, but which is better? Let's compare and contrast them.
When comparing the accuracy of the active and guide, the guide comes out on top. Accu chek guide has complied with ISO 15197:2013 from its inception. Your findings can be obtained in as little as 4 seconds, and in certain cases even less. It includes memory for 1000 measurements, which may be viewed at any moment. While an active Glucometer provides accurate blood glucose level information, visual double-checking, and pre-and post-meal reminders, it lacks the Accu chek guidance feature.
The active Glucometer has been developed from the unit and has wireless access when it comes to the features of both instruments. Spill-resistant and quiet, an active Glucometer is ideal for keeping strips safe.
Guidance Glucometer, on the other hand, can be simply fitted to your palm and features a display on which you can readily read your findings. The Accu chek guide wins the race in this distinction.
Both Glucometers are almost the same price, but the Accu active comes with a few more testing strips, so it will be a little more expensive than the guide.
There are no strips included in an Accu chek guide, thus it is not costly. It is up to the individual to decide on their affordability based on what they desire or their budget.
Usage
When it comes to the use of Glucometer, both have a simple interface. With simple methods, you can use either Accu chek or Accu active. However, to use active, you'll need blood testing strips that you may slide towards the arrow to acquire accurate results.
While active, it takes at least 5 seconds to acquire the findings, but the guide may check in 4 seconds or less, saving you time. If you need to get somewhere quickly, the Accu chek guide is the greatest option.
Which is the preferable choice?
After doing the above comparison, you should have the best notion; now it's up to you to make the decision. Finally, it is up to you to decide what to do base on the rewards you receive.
Respiratory pathogens spread like wildfire when people are in close contact. So it’s little wonder that almost all of the 150 biggest coronavirus outbreaks in the United States have been in prisons, nursing homes, veterans’ homes, psychiatric hospitals, meat-packing plants and homeless shelters, where people live or work side by side.
The phenomenon can be seen worldwide. Singapore seemed to have almost contained its epidemic until it became clear that the virus had been spreading undetected among migrant workers living in overcrowded dormitories. Across Europe, homes for elderly people are among the worst hit. In Canada, 80% of reported deaths from COVID-19 have been in care homes.
Health officials are still failing to contain COVID-19 in shared spaces such as these because of the difficulties in achieving physical distancing. Measures, such as working from home, that protect healthier, wealthier and freer individuals, are often impossible to achieve for those whose jobs or accommodation make it impossible to self-isolate. Worse, there is little evidence to back up current policies intended to keep residents of communal spaces safe — or to support the implementation of new ones.
Evidence-based strategies are urgently needed to prevent the spread of infection in shared settings, and to detect cases early. Researchers are ready to answer this call. But policymakers and health officials must first prioritize this research, and report data on caseloads and deaths so that epidemiologists can work out, in detail, what is going wrong. Most urgently, they must make regular testing available for high-risk groups, so that responders can intervene when cases first arise.
Passing the test
In many countries, testing tends to be limited to people with symptoms such as a fever or severe cough, even though it is now well established that infected individuals without symptoms can spread the disease. Asymptomatic cases can be particularly dangerous in communal spaces, where infections spread fast. In early April, for example, researchers testing people in a homeless shelter in Boston, Massachusetts, found that almost 90% of 147 people infected with the coronavirus did not have identifiable symptoms1.
Analyses of outbreaks in US nursing homes and in prisons have found that more than half of infected residents and staff didn’t show obvious symptoms at the time of testing. Some epidemiologists, geneticists and social scientists are rightly urging policymakers to change the testing criteria so that people in communal settings are tested regularly, regardless of whether they have symptoms.
Respiratory pathogens spread like wildfire when people are in close contact. So it’s little wonder that almost all of the 150 biggest coronavirus outbreaks in the United States have been in prisons, nursing homes, veterans’ homes, psychiatric hospitals, meat-packing plants and homeless shelters, where people live or work side by side.
The phenomenon can be seen worldwide. Singapore seemed to have almost contained its epidemic until it became clear that the virus had been spreading undetected among migrant workers living in overcrowded dormitories. Across Europe, homes for elderly people are among the worst hit. In Canada, 80% of reported deaths from COVID-19 have been in care homes.
Health officials are still failing to contain COVID-19 in shared spaces such as these because of the difficulties in achieving physical distancing. Measures, such as working from home, that protect healthier, wealthier and freer individuals, are often impossible to achieve for those whose jobs or accommodation make it impossible to self-isolate. Worse, there is little evidence to back up current policies intended to keep residents of communal spaces safe — or to support the implementation of new ones.
Evidence-based strategies are urgently needed to prevent the spread of infection in shared settings, and to detect cases early. Researchers are ready to answer this call. But policymakers and health officials must first prioritize this research, and report data on caseloads and deaths so that epidemiologists can work out, in detail, what is going wrong. Most urgently, they must make regular testing available for high-risk groups, so that responders can intervene when cases first arise.
But, for researchers to be more involved, they must be integrated into state-wide testing strategies that link them to health departments. And these agencies must, in turn, be prepared to respond to positive diagnoses.
At the moment, that is not a given. Alarmingly, some researchers have told Nature that officials are reluctant to survey people in communal spaces, because infected individuals will then need to be isolated, and their contacts potentially tested and quarantined, too. This could, in turn, mean providing single-occupancy housing units, or paying wages to quarantined essential workers — such as employees of meat-packing plants, or those working in prisons and care homes — if they cannot otherwise afford to take time off. These are undoubtedly difficult and expensive interventions, but ignoring the problem will not make it go away.
A lack of transparency is another obstacle to epidemiological analyses. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30% of jurisdictions aren’t reporting COVID-19 cases in prisons as a separate, identifiable category. Some jails are reporting outbreaks as a single event, rather than listing the number of cases. And many state public-health departments aren’t reporting infections and deaths among residents of homeless shelters and nursing homes. An outbreak at one nursing home in New Jersey was discovered only when police found 17 dead bodies piled up inside.
This cannot continue. Facilities should report what’s happening within their walls, and states should make anonymized data available quickly.
Some cities provide a model for others to follow. In Seattle, Washington — where the first US COVID-19 outbreak was detected — the public-health department has an online dashboard devoted to reporting daily cases and deaths in care homes. The city’s partnership between these facilities, researchers and the public-health department helped to reduce new COVID-19 cases in care homes from 748 in March to 72 in the first 2 weeks of May.
The lack of action elsewhere is an outrage. It isn’t getting the attention it deserves because the people who are most affected are those least able to make their voices heard. Those who are poor, from minority communities, elderly, incarcerated, chronically ill or homeless are among the most marginalized in society. Their needs have been ignored in part because they have less access to policymakers. But they should not need to make their case — those in power should already be paying attention.
Researchers, however, can do their part. They understand the need to curb this pandemic among the most vulnerable people, and must make sure they work with these groups to study the pandemic and to analyse and highlight its devastating impacts. Policymakers must act on what they find. Until countries beat this disease in the places hit hardest, they won’t be able to beat it at all.