Frontline COVID Health Worker Represent at WHO

My name is Duncan Maru. I'm a physician and epidemiologist in Queens, New York City. I have borne witness to the mortal toll that the pandemic has taken to my family and community. In addition to responding to the pandemic, we have had to grapple with the parallel infodemic of misinformation. Misinformation misleads the public and undermines our ability to save lives and to heal. I have been inspired by the tireless and under-appreciated work of public health and healthcare workers. One such colleague, Isabella Guerra Ucelli, was recently invited to the World Health Organization's workshop in Belgrade, Serbia, called "WHO Technical Consultation on Building a Global University Curriculum for Infodemic Management" this month. I believe it vital for her voice to be heard on a global stage. It is equally important for our public health community in New York City to be exposed to and participate in the global dialogue to bring new ideas to our communities. Unfortunately, given we work in city government, there are very limited funding pathways for frontline workers to attend international conferences. As such, we have established this fundraiser to help get Isabella to represent us at the WHO.