A Rutgers University global health expert is available to comment on the dangers of persistent references to the novel coronavirus as a “Chinese virus” by President Trump and other White House officials.
“Such stigmatization leads to disastrous consequences for everyone and for our fight against this pandemic,” said Richard Marlink, director of Rutgers Global Health Institute, who was a leader in the global response to HIV/AIDS. “Any time we portray a disease as belonging to one group, we discourage members of that group from coming forward and receiving the care they need or testing for the virus itself. That is both wrong and puts everyone at greater risk of infection. Also, when racial discrimination occurs, potential crimes related to race could follow. We saw discrimination against various communities in the early days of HIV/AIDS, when President Reagan’s administration was very slow to respond to a deadly new virus infecting Americans.”
To interview Dr. Marlink, contact Lara De Meo Hoyt at lhoyt@globalhealth.rutgers.edu or at 848-932-5827.
Broadcast Interviews
Rutgers University–New Brunswick has broadcast-quality TV and radio studios available for remote live or taped interviews. For more information, contact Neal Buccino neal.buccino@echo.rutgers.edu.
About RBHS
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University–New Brunswick, and collaborating university-wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network and four centers and institutes. RBHS offers an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research and the full spectrum of allied health careers. RBHS clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state.
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