Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the Middle East: A Call for a Unified Response

Sawaya, Tania; Ballouz, Tala; Zaraket, Hassan; Rizk, Nesrine

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.00209

Cited by 32 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…In a country like Saudi Arabia, where the labor market is transforming and the government has already introduced numerous steps to support small and medium enterprises, the sudden onset of COVID-19 has greatly upset the demographic and socioeconomic balance, as most of the unskilled migrant workers are leaving for their home countries, either due to unemployment or skill mismatches [9]. As a result, the job markets are becoming polarized, and career plans are being primarily associated with job security instead of wages or future growth [10].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Implications of COVID-19 on the Labor Market of Saudi Arabia: The Role of Universities for a Sustainable Workforce

et al. 2020

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Governments all over the world are taking preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. However, these measures have caused both long- and short-term effects on the socioeconomic situation of many countries. Due to lockdowns and business shutdowns, people are becoming unemployed or are working on reduced wages, creating a unique type of career shock in the global job market. Moreover, this phenomenon also produces a negative reflux among workers, encouraging a new skill set for this unprecedented time. The present study aimed to investigate the implications of COVID-19 on the labor market of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected with the help of a questionnaire from both public and private sector employers (n = 234) to inquire about their perceptions of the new skill set required in the changing business environment during and after pandemics. The data were analyzed with the help of descriptive statistics as well as simple and companion regression. The results indicate that the healthcare, service and education sectors have quickly transformed themselves from conventional to remote forms of working and consider virtual skills, autonomous working and effective communication the most important skills for their workforce during the current and the postpandemic scenarios. Interviews were then conducted with educational leaders to develop a conceptual framework by integrating both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the surveys. The results of the study are beneficial for the educational leadership of higher education institutions (HEIs) to better align their educational programs with changing market needs. By doing so, they not only increase the sustainability of the workforce but also minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the Saudi labor market.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Implications of COVID-19 on the Labor Market of Saudi Arabia: The Role of Universities for a Sustainable Workforce

et al. 2020

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“…This population by genetics has higher prevalence for diabetes and hypertension that are risk factors for COVID-19 disease. 9 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Is BCG associated with reduced incidence of COVID-19? A meta-regression of global data from 160 countries

Joy¹,

Malavika²,

Asirvatham³

et al. 2021

Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health

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Background Global research is running towards to find a vaccine to stop the threat of the COVID-19. The Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine that prevents severe forms of tuberculosis is getting more attention in this scenario. The objective of our study was to determine the association between BCG vaccine coverage and incidence of COVID-19 at a national-level across the Globe. Methods The data of 160 countries were included in the study. Meta-regression was done to estimate the difference in the incidence of COVID-19 cases between countries with BCG vaccination coverage. BCG coverage was categorized as ≤70%, >70% and no vaccination. The analyses were carried out by adjusting for factors such as population density, income group, latitude, and percentage of the total population under age groups 15–64 and above 65 years of each country. Results The countries that had ≤70% coverage of BCG vaccine reported 6.5 (95% CI: −8.4 to −4.5) less COVID-19 infections per 10,000 population as compared to countries that reported no coverage. Those that had >70% coverage reported 10.1 (95% CI: −11.4 to −8.7) less infections per 10,000 population compared to those with no BCG countries. Conclusion Our analysis suggests that BCG is associated with reduced COVID-19 infections if the BCG vaccine coverage is over 70%. The region-wise analyses also suggested similar findings, except the Middle East and North African region.

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“…( 1 , 2 , 3 ) Co-morbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease are highly prevalent in the Middle-East, raising concerns for the progress of the pandemic in the region. ( 4 ) In weaker health systems, there is limited capacity to care for COVID-19 patients who require intensive care units due to moderate to severe forms of the disease or complex symptoms such as breathlessness. ( 5 , 6 )…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

What Is the Preparedness and Capacity of Palliative Care Services in Middle-Eastern and North African Countries to Respond to COVID-19? A Rapid Survey

Boufkhed

Harding

Kutluk

et al. 2021

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

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This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.

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Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the Middle East: A Call for a Unified Response

Cited by 32 publications

References 17 publications

Implications of COVID-19 on the Labor Market of Saudi Arabia: The Role of Universities for a Sustainable Workforce

Implications of COVID-19 on the Labor Market of Saudi Arabia: The Role of Universities for a Sustainable Workforce

Is BCG associated with reduced incidence of COVID-19? A meta-regression of global data from 160 countries

What Is the Preparedness and Capacity of Palliative Care Services in Middle-Eastern and North African Countries to Respond to COVID-19? A Rapid Survey

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