The Hidden Bioeconomic Face of Covid-19 Pandemic A Dilemma and Paradox of Logic

Abstract

It is surprisingly simple and paradoxical that Covid-19 pandemic shows a specific tendency to be an economy-related and driven pandemic. Countries with higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP), incurred more cases of infection and mortalities such a way that a steady trend emerges: those most affected are the richest amongst the rich, and the richer amongst the poorer. Surprisingly, the a country’s healthcare system integrity level seems to be a less relevant factor or even a nonfactor. Countries with low GDP and weak healthcare system manifested the lowest numbers of infection and death cases all around the world. This work is based on statistical data analysis and correlation between infection and mortality cases as per country, region, continent and provinces within countries with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). A specific strong positive correlation between the GDP of a certain country/province, region and the number of infection and mortalities emerged. This relationship is validated for Europe, USA, Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. This inter-dependent relationship holds paradoxical elements as it stands against the common wisdom that a country or group of countries with higher Epidemic Preparedness Index (EPI) and development, the less exposed to pandemics are. This has been shown not to be case with Covid-19. In fact, it is the opposite. This work sees embedded factors related to Bioeconomics, socio-cultural factors that determined this relationship. It is a phenomenon worthy of more analysis and more specific data related to ethnicities, genetics, socio-cultural and Bioeconomics.