MINIDEBATE 11: The paradox between technological advances and the situations of crisis and inequity during a pandemic and an epidemic context

Innovative technologies bring great possibilities of increasing human well-being. However, technological progress does not guarantee equitable health outcomes. While technological advances define the way in which people, systems and information interact, communities with fewer resources tend to be left excluded, and that will subsequently have an impact on quality. Publications explain that in communities where technological solutions have been imposed, there has later been abandoned equipment, software that is incompatible and frustrated management policies. Nevertheless, there are some cases of general technological implementations that undermine equity, justice and human rights. For example, the use of high technology in medical interventions as preventive measures or diagnosis, the use of genes which prevent the reuse of crop seeds allowed for consuming, and many more. To obtain equitable results, the design and planning of the technology must respect the ethical principles, local values and their folklore, among other points. Decisions require compromise in the medium and long term and local leadership.