NIH expands research network to improve COVID-19 testing among underserved

The National Institutes of Health has awarded about $45 million to expand the research network for its Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics Underserved Populations program.

The program supports projects with established research infrastructures and community partnerships that can swiftly implement strategies and interventions to increase access and uptake of COVID-19 testing among underserved and vulnerable populations, such as African Americans, American Indians/Alaskan Natives, Latinos/Latinas, Native Hawaiians, older adults, pregnant women and those who are homeless or incarcerated.

The agency said the new grants will bolster efforts to address testing hesitancy in these populations.