Study Finds Inequality Strongest Predictor of Pandemic Outcomes

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Rio de Janeiro: Economic inequality is a stronger predictor of how countries perform during pandemics than traditional measures of preparedness, according to new research that calls for governments to rethink how they prepare for future.

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that countries with lower levels of economic inequality consistently recorded better outcomes during the Covid-19 and AIDS pandemics, regardless of their technical preparedness.

Researchers said nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil and South Africa ranked highly in pandemic preparedness but experienced worse outcomes than expected. In contrast, countries including Vietnam, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Uruguay and Norway performed significantly better despite being considered less prepared.

The research found no clear link between a country's technical capacity, such as laboratory facilities or emergency healthcare resources, and its pandemic performance. Instead, it identified economic inequality as the strongest and most consistent factor influencing outcomes.

The study's authors urged governments to adopt an ‘inequality-informed’ approach to pandemic preparedness. They recommended measures including paid sick leave, unemployment support, cash assistance during health emergencies and debt relief for low-income countries.

The researchers also called for fairer global access to medicines, vaccines and new medical technologies during future pandemics, arguing that limiting access through patents could prolong global health crises.

The research was conducted by the Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemics, a panel established after the Covid-19 pandemic, and will be presented at the International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro. While independent experts said the findings raise important issues, they noted that factors such as universal healthcare, political leadership and national culture also influence how countries respond to pandemics.

Pic Credit: AFP