Build back fairer: achieving health equity in the Eastern Mediterranean region of WHO

The association between COVID-19 policy responses and mental well-being: Evidence from 28 European countries

“…As such, our results are broadly in line with the COVID-19 Marmot Review in the UK. This argued that pre-existing inequalities have contributed to the unequal burden of the COVID-19 outbreak in Britain ( Marmot et al, 2021 ). Conversely, recent findings from the UK ( Davillas and Jones, 2021 ) show that while psychological distress has increased among the population in general, socioeconomic inequalities remained stable.…”

Preparing for future pandemics in the Eastern Mediterranean region

“…Conflict and COVID-19 both expose and amplify existing inequities in society. 10 In the Eastern Mediterranean region, where conflict is a major determinant of health and health inequities are widespread, 10 recovery from the pandemic must include a fairer investment approach towards pandemic preparedness. A potential solution to reducing inequities is more regional cooperation.…”

“…The region is highly vulnerable to climate change and its impact. 10 Environmental degradation and climate change have proven linkages to the emergence and re-emergence of diseases with epidemic and pandemic potential. 12 This calls for action on pandemic preparedness and climate adaptation and mitigation in tandem in the region.…”

Build back more equitably

“…Persaud and colleagues’ new guidance echoes previous equity-focused recommendations for COVID-19 recovery 3 in emphasizing the well-being of children and provision of resources for an adequate standard of living for all people through income protection. The authors have carefully graded the available scientific evidence for several interventions that could reasonably be implemented in the short term to support an equitable COVID-19 recovery.…”