Covid-19 exposes weaknesses in European response to outbreaks

Anderson, Michael; McKee, Martin; Mossialos, Elías

doi:10.1136/bmj.m1075

Cited by 85 publications

(65 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…The current COVID-19 pandemic has exposed some of the weaknesses in the public healthcare systems and lack of preparedness for dealing with infectious disease outbreaks [ 22 ]. Emerging and re-emerging infections, particularly due to viruses are not new and COVID-19 is certainly not going to be the last.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Population Risk Factors for COVID-19 Mortality in 93 Countries

Hashim¹,

Alsuwaidi²,

Khan³

2020

JEGH

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Death rates due to COVID-19 pandemic vary considerably across regions and countries. Case Mortality Rates (CMR) per 100,000 population are more reliable than case-fatality rates per 100 test-positive cases, which are heavily dependent on the extent of viral case testing carried out in a country. We aimed to study the variations in CMR against population risk factors such as aging, underlying chronic diseases and social determinants such as poverty and overcrowding. Data on COVID-19 CMR in 93 countries was analyzed for associations with preexisting prevalence rates of eight diseases [asthma, lung cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), hypertension, ischemic heart disease, depression and diabetes], and six socio-demographic factors [Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, unemployment, age over 65 years, urbanization, population density, and socio-demographic index]. These data were analyzed in three steps: correlation analysis, bivariate comparison of countries, and multivariate modelling. Bivariate analysis revealed that COVID-19 CMR were higher in countries that had high prevalence of population risk factors such as AD, lung cancer, asthma and COPD. On multivariate modeling however, AD, COPD, depression and higher GDP predicted increased death rates. Comorbid illnesses such as AD and lung diseases may be more influential than aging alone.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Population Risk Factors for COVID-19 Mortality in 93 Countries

Hashim¹,

Alsuwaidi²,

Khan³

2020

JEGH

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“…Up to this point, we have witnessed shifting responsibilities and divergent recommendations. For example, several countries in Europe have implemented strict rules, not allowing for a comprehensive response at the supranational level of the European Union (6). In addition, subnational variations (e.g., between states/provinces, counties, or cities) and changes over time are visible.…”

Section: Political Responsibilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 and the Elderly: Who Cares?

Fischer

Raiber

Boscher

et al. 2020

Front. Public Health

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“…Covid-19 is a reminder that there is little point adopting national measures against a virus that crosses borders with ease. A stronger Europe, with enhanced powers in health, will be an essential barricade against the next pandemic 6. The recovery will take a very long time, but at least the roadmap provides a way forward.…”

Section: Principlesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A European roadmap out of the covid-19 pandemic

McKee

2020

BMJ

Self Cite

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Europe has been hit especially hard by the covid-19 pandemic, with Italy, Spain, and France occupying the top three positions in the global league table of deaths. 1 All EU countries have imposed measures to contain the spread of the virus, although these vary considerably. Now, as some countries see death rates falling, they are looking at how to get back to something resembling normality, and the European Commission has published a roadmap to guide them. 2 Reassuringly, the roadmap places epidemiology in the driving seat.

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Covid-19 exposes weaknesses in European response to outbreaks

Abstract: European countries must work together in the common interest

Cited by 85 publications

References 4 publications

Population Risk Factors for COVID-19 Mortality in 93 Countries

Population Risk Factors for COVID-19 Mortality in 93 Countries

COVID-19 and the Elderly: Who Cares?

A European roadmap out of the covid-19 pandemic

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