Local Covid-19 Syndemics and the Need for an Integrated Response

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic is more than a health crisis. It has worse outcomes among individuals with co-morbidities, has exposed fault lines in our societies, and amplified existing inequalities. This article draws on emerging evidence from low- and middle-income contexts to highlight how Covid-19 becomes syndemic when it interacts with local vulnerabilities. A syndemic approach provides a frame for understanding how Covid-19 is amplified when clustered with other diseases and how this clustering is facilitated by contextual and social factors that create adverse conditions. Public health responses to Covid-19 have also exacerbated these adverse conditions as many face social and economic crises as a result of some policies. These multiple challenges generate major implications for both the public health response and for broader development action: first, one size does not fit all and we must attend to local vulnerabilities; second, short-term public health response and longer-term development approaches must be integrated for improved intersectoral coordination and synergy. A synergised public health and development response will allow us to better prepare for the next pandemic.

‘I will rather be killed by corona than by him…’: Experiences of abused women seeking shelter during South Africa’s COVID-19 lockdown

“…Overall, this study has reminded us that being ordered to stay at home is not always the safest option for women and that pandemic response measures must include local vulnerabilities [ 48 ]. In fact, the home is often the space where abuse occurs as the home is frequently a place where power dynamics can be undermined by those who abuse, often without scrutiny from anyone ‘outside’ the couple, or the family, especially during lockdown restrictions where mobility is restricted and visits from friends and family are prohibited.…”

Building Better amidst the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic: An Analysis of Critical Success Factors within Resilience to Natural Hazards and COVID-19

“…Reflecting on COVID-19, researchers have recognized the dimensions of power, politics, health, and development as an opportunity for collaboration between governments and communities [23]- [24]. Amidst these opportunities, the looming threats catapulted by COVID-19 cannot be unforeseen.…”

The moderating role of Covid-19-related support on urban livelihood capitals: Evidence from suburban Accra

“…However, these were not without challenges. Some studies ( Fakhruddin et al, 2020 ; Daszak et al, 2021 ; Schmidt-Sane et al, 2021 ; Devereux, 2021 ), for instance, note how COVID-19 related support interventions were limited in scope and ad-hoc. Funding of NGOs and governments for humanitarian efforts also declined reducing their capacity to provide consistent and holistic support to residents ( Lone & Ahmad, 2020 ; Wilke et al, 2020 ; Asogwa et al, 2022 ).…”