Journal
Discover Public Health
Discover Public Health is an open access journal publishing research from all fields relevant to public health.
Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV continue to pose significant public health challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of these diseases disproportionately affects marginalized populations. The intersection of social determinants—such as socioeconomic status, education, housing, and access to healthcare—plays a crucial role in the transmission and management of TB and HIV. As we strive for improved health outcomes, it becomes imperative to adopt equity-driven approaches that address these social determinants, ensuring that interventions are accessible and effective for all segments of the population. Understanding and addressing the root causes of health inequities can enhance our response to these diseases and ultimately contribute to global health security.
Emerging evidence underscores the need for innovative strategies that prioritize equity and inclusivity in health interventions. As we seek to build resilient healthcare infrastructures, there is a critical opportunity to share insights and best practices that leverage community engagement, policy advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This Collection aims to highlight the importance of a holistic approach to TB and HIV prevention and care that integrates social determinants and promotes health equity.
The purpose of this Collection is to provide a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to explore and disseminate findings on equity-driven strategies in addressing TB and HIV. We welcome contributions that examine the impact of social determinants on health outcomes, assess barriers to access, and propose scalable solutions that can be implemented in diverse contexts. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, this Collection seeks to inspire actionable change in public health practices and policies, ultimately advancing the goal of health equity in the fight against TB and HIV.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Social determinants influencing TB and HIV outcomes
- Community-based interventions for equitable access
- Policy frameworks for addressing health disparities
- Innovative models for integrating TB and HIV services
- Evaluating the impact of equity-driven health programs
This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good health and Well-Being.
Keywords: Tuberculosis; HIV; Social determinants of health; Health equity; Health disparities; Public Health policy; Health service; Global Health
Submit your manuscript to this collection through the participating journal.
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Teke Ruffin Apalata MD, PhD
Walter Sisulu University, South Africa.Prof. Teke Apalata is a Clinical Microbiologist, Clinician-Scientist, Biostatistician, Health Data Scientist, Global Health Strategist, and Academic Leader with over two decades of combined experience in Clinical Services, Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Infectious Diseases, Research Excellence, Global Health, and Postgraduate training, as well as in strengthening public health systems. He holds a PhD and Master of Medicine (MMed) degrees in Medical Microbiology from the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), an MBA from the Management College of Southern Africa, a Master of Sciences (MSc) in Biostatistics from the Stellenbosch University (South Africa), and a postgraduate Fellowship in International Clinical Research (FICR – Global Health) from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville (USA), and Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa (DRC).
He currently serves as a Research Professor and holds multiple senior leadership roles at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University (South Africa), including Associate Dean for Research and Innovation and Head of the School of Pathology. Prof. Apalata has also been appointed as Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Stirling (UK), Fogarty International Research Fellow at Vanderbilt University, Institute for Global Health (VIGH, USA), Content Creator and Instructor at One Health Workforce Academies (OHWA) in collaboration with the University of California Davis, One Health Institute (UC Davis, USA), and a Visiting Scholar at Nottingham Trent University (UK). He is the Principal Investigator for the TB Research Group, HIV/NCD (i.e., Hypertension, type 2 DM) Syndemic Research Group, and One Health and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Research Group. Prof Apalata has extensively published in the intersection of HIV and hypertension, drug-resistant tuberculosis, TB/HIV co-infection, antimicrobial resistance, and sexually transmitted infections.