# Social Media and Digital Inequity: Reducing Health Inequities by Closing the Digital Divide
## 5 Actions Needed: Reducing Health Inequities by Reducing Digital Inequalities
### New and Updated Infrastructure to Expand Digital Access for Underserved Populations  
Decreasing the access divide will require new infrastructure and updates to existing infrastructure. Public funding is already being allocated to accomplish this goal in some parts of the world. The EU, for example, has allocated 1.5 billion euros in the past few years for the digitalization of countries in Central Europe, which have lagged states in Western Europe. Bulgaria has directed much of these funds to build proper infrastructure for the digital age, while Romania has used the funds to further technology adoption by Romanians [34]. In India, a national digital infrastructure program has significantly reduced poverty through robust investments in digital infrastructure, including broadband connectivity [35].  
In the U.S., a landmark infrastructure bill signed into law in 2021 directed USD 65 billion toward ensuring all Americans have access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet [36]. The law creates a permanent program to help low-income households access online.  
Meanwhile, an analysis by the World Bank shows that Africa needs USD 100 billion in critical infrastructure investment, including 250,000 4G stations and 250,000 km of fiber cables, to bring adequate, universal internet to all of Africa [37].  
Several private initiatives have also emerged. SpaceX, for instance, has launched a Starlink satellite network that has begun providing internet to 80 countries. Starlink's competitors and similar companies include Eutelsat, Bigblu Broadband, Digiweb, Maxis Communications, and Constellation networks. These companies are preparing to operate satellite internet constellation systems that will play a key role in reducing the cost of internet connectivity to rural and poor communities. Google has created programs to generate more equitable access through its Next Billion Users Initiative. Meta has invested in improving internet services and fiber infrastructure in Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia. While such companies' investments are driven by an interest in expanding their consumer base, private actors can help bring more users to social media and other digital platforms, allowing them to interact with useful health information.  
In some areas, connectivity will also rely on innovations in electric supply. Many developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, have limited access to electricity, especially in rural areas [38]. Recent technological developments--primarily among Chinese manufacturers--have dramatically dropped the cost of solar energy. This cost shift has given countries in the Southern Hemisphere a window of opportunity to narrow the digital divide with reliable electricity to power digital infrastructure and gadgets, even in remote and rural locations.  
Finally, to encourage and strengthen the use of digital technologies in the Global South, there is a need to invest in establishing and proliferating innovation hubs. These innovation hubs will focus on implementing local programs to counter the imposition of digital solutions from the more developed countries in the Northern Hemisphere. These hubs will foster cooperation, providing more opportunities to advance locally developed solutions.