Table 5.

Differences in management between high-income and low- and middle-income countries

	High-income countries	Low- and middle-income countries
Healthcare infrastructure	Typically, have more robust and well-established healthcare systems with advanced medical facilities, a higher number of healthcare professionals, and better access to medical equipment and supplies.	May face challenges with limited healthcare infrastructure, fewer healthcare professionals, and inadequate medical resources. This can impact the capacity to diagnose, treat, and manage the spread of infectious diseases.
Access to testing and diagnostics	Often have better access to diagnostic tools, testing facilities, and a more extensive network for mass testing. This facilitates early detection and containment efforts.	May experience delays in testing due to limited resources, leading to challenges in identifying and isolating cases promptly.
Public health response	Generally, have more sophisticated public health systems, which can facilitate coordinated responses, contact tracing, and the implementation of public health measures.	May face challenges in coordinating an effective public health response, including issues related to communication, resource allocation, and the implementation of widespread testing and contact tracing.
Economic impact and social support	Often have the financial means to implement economic stimulus packages and social support programs, helping individuals and businesses cope with the economic fallout of a pandemic.	May struggle to provide adequate economic support, leading to increased vulnerability among populations that rely on daily wages and have limited access to social safety nets.
Vaccine access and distribution	Typically, have greater resources to invest in developing vaccines, obtaining vaccine supplies, and implementing vaccination campaigns swiftly.	May face challenges in accessing vaccines, obtaining sufficient doses, and distributing them efficiently to the population due to financial constraints and logistical challenges.
Information technology and communication	Often have more advanced information technology infrastructure, facilitating communication, data collection, and the dissemination of accurate information during a pandemic.	May encounter difficulties in widespread communication, data collection, and information dissemination, leading to challenges in managing public perceptions and behaviors.
Logistical challenges	Generally, have better logistical capabilities to manage the distribution of medical supplies, establish testing centers, and implement quarantine measures.	May face challenges in logistics, including transportation, storage, and distribution of medical resources, which can impact the effectiveness of response efforts.
Population density and living conditions	Often have lower population density and better living conditions, enabling more effective implementation of social distancing measures.	May have higher population density, crowded living conditions, and challenges in implementing social distancing, leading to a higher risk of disease spread.