As we approach the deadline for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the world is grappling with multiple global crises simultaneously. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on public health and has disrupted economies worldwide. The ongoing war in Ukraine has created disruptions in the availability of food and energy supplies. Additionally, high inflation has led to a global cost-of-living crisis, while climate change-induced extreme weather events have resulted in humanitarian emergencies. Consequently, the progress made in reducing poverty, social inequalities, malnutrition, and other pressing health issues has been halted or even reversed in many Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC). Such crises, especially when they occur concurrently, tend to affect the most vulnerable populations even more severely.
The overall goal of this research topic is to publish original studies that could provide evidence of the impact of the current multiple global crises on health and health inequalities, with special attention to the most vulnerable populations. Moreover, studies that show and discuss the potential mitigation effects of welfare state components, such as social protection interventions and healthcare systems, are particularly welcome.
This research topic aims to explore the effects of the current multiple global crises on health and health inequalities. It seeks to examine the mechanisms by which crises of different nature are affecting individual and population health as a whole. Moreover, it aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between these crises and potential changes in morbidity and mortality in the most vulnerable populations.
Potential themes for contributors include:
1. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health inequalities, and the role of social protection in its mitigation.
2. Direct and indirect effects of the war in Ukraine on population health in LMIC.
3. Effects of the global inflationary surge on morbidity and mortality of LMIC populations.
4. Impact of adverse climate change events on the health of the most vulnerable populations.
5. Mitigation effects of social protection and healthcare-related interventions.
6. Building resilience and preparedness in an era of multiple global crises.
7. Effective strategies for health system strengthening in the context of global crises.
8. The health impacts on displaced populations and the role of health systems in addressing these impacts.
9. The economic impact of these crises, particularly in terms of job loss and its subsequent effect on health and health inequalities.
The Topic Editors are willing to accept all article types except opinion or perspective articles.
Keywords: crisis, COVID-19, climate change, conflict, resistance, preparedness, welfare state, social, protection, healthcare system
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
