Mind the Gap: COVID-19 and Its Differential Effect on the Richer and Poorer Nations

The gap in wealth between the richer and poorer nations was increasing prior to the COVID pandemic despite some of the extreme poverty rates declining. Even within richer countries the gap between the rich and poor had been increasing. In the US, for example, over 2 million more households claim that they do not have enough to eat since the pandemic. In fact, one in five African American households says they are going hungry.1

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit hardest the poor countries and the poorer populations groups in richer countries. A BBC survey suggested a drop in income was reported by 69% of respondents in poorer countries, in comparison to 45% in richer ones.2

This is exacerbated by the potential for slower recovery in these countries often with poor access to vaccines. Vital income in many of these poorer countries has also been affected by the lack of tourism. Disruption of trade also affects the poorer countries the most.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the gaps in healthcare between the richer and poorer countries.

Inequalities in health care can lead to differences in morbidity and mortality between the rich and poor.

Richer countries have a moral obligation to support health care in the poor and this extends beyond universal vaccination against COVID-19.

Strong healthcare systems are essential for a stable society and despite the economic crisis, investment in healthcare with improvement in sanitation and access to clean drinking water should be seen as paramount.

As further waves of the pandemic strike Europe, the impact on the health of the poor in both rich and poor countries should be borne in mind.