COVID-19 And Poverty - M.A.Aleem BMJ 2021;373:n986

Bmj British Medical Journal 

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There is a real danger that covid-19 will become entrenched as a disease of poverty

BMJ 2021; 373 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n986 (Published 19 April 2021)

Cite this as: BMJ 2021;373:n986

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Re: There is a real danger that covid-19 will become entrenched as a disease of poverty

Dear Editor

COVID-19 and Poverty

According to the World Bank, Global extreme poverty increased in 2020 for the first time in over 20 years as the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic compounds the forces of conflict and climate change, which were already slowing poverty reduction progress.

The COVID-19 pandemic was estimated to push an additional 88 million to 115 million people into extreme poverty in 2021, with the total rising to as many as 150 million by 2021, depending on the severity of the economic contraction.

The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated economies worldwide. Although lockdowns are an effective measure to halt the spread of COVID-19, many people around the world lost their jobs and livelihoods. As a result, some find it impossible to support themselves and their families.

Handling the COVID-19 pandemic has been no easy task, and weighing out the economic costs of lockdowns to public health has proven to be nearly impossible. However, being the country to reduce poverty at the fastest rate in history, there is always hope for recovery in India.

Now during the second wave of COVID-19, the restrictions on mobility have amplified losses for small businesses, which were yet to recover from the initial impact of the pandemic. Several sectors such as aviation, tourism, retail, entertainment and restaurants are again worried, fearing a repeat of 2020.

Experts estimate that if vaccinations are not ramped up and the virus is not contained by the end of May, it could have a severe impact on business activity ultimately leading to massive loss of jobs and income. That could push more people into poverty.

Competing interests: No competing interests

24 April 2021

M.A. Aleem

Emeritus Professor of Neurology * Visiting Specialist in Neurology ** Consultant Neurologist ***

The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R. Medical University * Dhanalakshami Srinivasan Medical College ** ABC Hospital ***

Chennai 600032* Perambalure 621212** Trichy 620018*** Tamilnadu India

@drmaaleem