Covid-19, public health and social policy in MENA. Issue 3 (3rd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Messkoub, Mahmood
• Is Part Of: Area development and policy. Volume 7:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 356
• Page End: 364
• Publication Date: 2022-07-03
• Subjects: Covid-19 -- Middle East and North Africa -- poverty -- public health -- social policy; 2019冠状病毒 -- 中东和北非地区 -- 贫穷 -- 公共卫生 -- 社会政策; Covid-19 -- Oriente Medio y el norte de África -- pobreza -- salud pública -- política social; Covid-19 -- Ближний Восток и Северная Африка -- бедность -- общественное здравоохранение -- социальная политика; Regional planning -- BRIC countries -- Periodicals; Economic development -- BRIC countries -- Periodicals; Rural-urban relations -- BRIC countries -- Periodicals; Human geography -- BRIC countries -- Periodicals; Regional planning -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Economic development -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Rural-urban relations -- Periodicals; Human geography -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 338.90091724
• DOI: 10.1080/23792949.2021.1997098
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2379-2949

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Covid-19 had major socio-economic impacts on the populations and societies of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. Government reactions depended on their public health institutions/infrastructures, official ideologies and understanding of the situation, as well as wars/conflicts and sanctions. To counter the impact of the pandemic, countries adopted a combination of cash payments to the poor, furlough schemes and financial support to employers. But public health services in most countries have been poorly resourced to cope with the pandemic. Considering that most countries are characterized by inequality in the distribution of income/wealth, entitlement and access to health services and social protection, states need to reorientate public expenditure towards public health and the reduction of inequality.