The Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Poorer: The Inequality of COVID-19

Editorial: NCDs – Core Challenge of Modern Day Health Care Establishments

“…This coupling of NCDs with communicable diseases has become even more evident with the COVID-19 pandemic where increased anxiety and mental health problems related to income and job loss were seen in Thailand ( 9), increased suicidal attempts in Austria ( 10) and increased anxiety and depression globally (11). There has also been an increase in social economic status disadvantage where the poor will disproportionately bear the long-term economic effects of this pandemic (12) and so health systems need to ensure equity in access to care and services.…”

Inequalities and Inequities During the Pandemic: Rich Nations Must Also Care for the Poor

“…1 In their recent editorial, the editors rightly emphasized the unequal distribution of vaccines where the richer countries have given themselves priority over the limited supplies of vaccine. 2 Instead of working together to craft and implement a global strategy for the common good, many countries are taking a "me-first approach" or "my nation first" approach to developing or distributing COVID-19 vaccines. Scientists and public health expert termed this recurring problem as "vaccine nationalism."…”

“…1 In their recent editorial, the editors rightly emphasized the unequal distribution of vaccines where the richer countries have given themselves priority over the limited supplies of vaccine. 2 Instead of working together to craft and implement a global strategy for the common good, many countries are taking a “me-first approach” or “my nation first” approach to developing or distributing COVID-19 vaccines. Scientists and public health expert termed this recurring problem as “vaccine nationalism.” High-income countries are directly negotiating large advance orders for the vaccine, crowding out poor and developing countries, which encourages hoarding and has the effect of pushing prices up and ultimately prolonging the pandemic.…”

Public Health to Bound Back in the Year of the Tiger

“…This includes the lack of routine vaccinations and the increase in malnutrition. 1,2 UNICEF has continued to highlight the health effects on children around the world including the effects of lockdowns on their mental health. 3 The increasing damage being caused to global health by climate change is further compounding the damage from the pandemic.…”