The Unequal Pandemic

Abstract

This accessible, yet authoritative book shows how the pandemic is a syndemic of disease and inequality. Drawing on international data and accounts, it argues that these inequalities are a political choice and we need to learn quickly to prevent growing inequality and to reduce health inequalities in the future.

From silos to policy coherence: tobacco control, unhealthy commodity industries and the commercial determinants of health

“…Tobacco control faces challenges that will be more effectively addressed in concert with other movements; broadening health and development agendas have shifted and complicated policy priorities; and tobacco exceptionalism is rapidly approaching its sell by date. COVID-19 has highlighted the extent to which evidence-based health interventions can be undermined by inequities,86 reinforcing that control of pandemics (both infectious and industrial) requires policy attention to the social and economic conditions with which they interact. Increased global attention to climate change—and calls to follow the example of the FCTC by excluding fossil fuel companies from related policy discussions87—highlights the importance of understanding and addressing commercial actors whose activities have far-reaching88 and unequal89–91 impacts.…”

The influence of socio‐economic conditions on the epidemiology of COVID ‐19 in Australia

“…Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has exposed socio‐economic inequalities in many countries; people living with disadvantage are more susceptible to infection, hospitalisation, and death. 1 , 2 Until recently, COVID‐19 infection and death rates in Australia were relatively low, but the ecological study by Roder and colleagues in this issue of the MJA suggests that social and economic factors also influenced the distribution of infections here. 3 A socio‐economic gradient in COVID‐19 cases was predicted early in the pandemic.…”

Long COVID: sustained and multiplied disadvantage

“…Policy and institutional preparedness for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic recovery is essential 1 because the roots of the pandemic and its resolution are deeply systemic. 2 The COVID‐19 pandemic disproportionately affects certain groups and populations. Generally, they are labelled as “vulnerable”, “marginalised” or “disadvantaged”, and these groups may be considered at risk from a medical perspective and/or from the perspective of their opportunities to function and participate in the community.…”

“…But scholars and commentators have increasingly identified and advocated critical fault lines in “glocal” (where global and local meet) society. 2 , 8 Public health and political leadership have taken the numbers and patterns to reassure affected localities (neighbourhoods, communities, local government areas, states and territories, the Commonwealth, and occasionally global levels) that there will be an end to the pandemic, and that there will be a degree of “new normal”. However, there is now growing awareness of the evidence gap regarding the impact of social determinants.…”