The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare services has been significant, leading to disruptions in care that have resulted in sharp increases in non-COVID causes of illness and death. A recent study published in The BMJ highlights the rise in mental health disorders, malaria in young children, and stroke and heart disease in older adults as a direct consequence of the pandemic.
According to the study, there was a 23% increase in new cases of depressive disorders among 5–14 year-olds, and a 14% rise in malaria deaths in children under 5 years old from 2020–2021. These findings underscore the need for future responses to potential pandemics to address not only infection control but also the long-term health impacts on a global scale.
The study, conducted by researchers in China, analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 to simulate the burden of 174 health conditions in 2020 and 2021 across different regions, age groups, and sexes. The analysis included 204 countries and territories, focusing on measures such as incidence, prevalence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).
Depressive and anxiety disorders, along with malaria, were among the most affected conditions, with a significant increase in disease burden compared to other causes. For example, age-standardized DALY rates for malaria rose by 12%, while rates for depressive and anxiety disorders increased by 12% and 14%, respectively, especially among females.
The study also highlighted notable increases in prevalence rates for heart disease, particularly among individuals aged 70 and above. Additionally, there was a 12% increase in the age-standardized death rate due to malaria, particularly affecting children under five in the African region.
While the researchers acknowledge limitations in their methods, they emphasize the importance of strengthening health system resilience, enhancing surveillance, and adopting syndemic-informed strategies to prepare for future public health emergencies. By integrating these insights into post-pandemic plans, countries can improve resilience and prioritize universal health coverage for disadvantaged communities.
In conclusion, the study underscores the need to address the indirect toll of the pandemic on healthcare systems and populations. By recognizing and planning for these impacts, countries can save lives, strengthen health systems, and ensure a more equitable response to future public health emergencies. The insights from this study can guide smarter recovery strategies and help build stronger and fairer health systems for the future.
