As we come across the third year of the COVID 19 crisis, we need to understand how the pandemic has affected societies and pushed inequality across the globe. No country was able to avoid the economic consequences of the pandemic. The virus increased the inequality level among countries.
India with its 8 Union Territories and 28 states also had its share of COVID 19 sufferings. It was a huge challenge for the massive population but India fared better in containing the virus through lockdowns and vaccination drives. The political ground was also not easy for the present government but the Epidemic Disease Act, of 1897 and support from the state governments paved the way for success.
People’s experiences during the pandemic also shaped their health and gained inequalities. Developing nations are struggling to provide economic assistance and public services to their citizens. Here are some key points related to the complications of the pandemic time.
Financial insecurity
Job losses due to inability for project retention and unable to secure new contracted plummeted the financial growth of the country. The happiness and life satisfaction levels during the year 2020 to 2021 were at the lowest. Anxiety and depression among people were worsening due to lockdowns and social isolation.
Young people were also impacted by a high level of stress and loneliness. Away from their homes and family adversely affected the individuals. COVID 19 had a devastating impact on the country’s economy.
Developed nations came with economic measures such as job retention schemes and prior access to medical services. In manufacturing industries, workforce support measures such as regular temperature checks, distribution of face masks, and PPE kits were prioritized. Vaccination drives for first responders (healthcare officials, doctors) were arranged on a priority basis.
Violence and abuse
The pandemic has also impacted gender-based violence. Domestic abuse on women worsened at the time of the pandemic. Frequent lockdowns brought back feeling of loneliness and fear.
Failing health systems and lack of resources also took a toll on gender-based violence. At the onset of the pandemic, 1 in 3 women experienced abuse (physical or sexual) by an intimate partner.
There was an increase in the number of help-related calls to the survivor helplines reporting domestic violence. First responders and government officials working with essential services and prevention helplines provided support to victims who have experienced or witnessed violence.
General outcome
The pandemic highlighted the world with inequality. Lack of global leadership in planning hurts the most. But it was never too late to address the issues related to COVID 19.
The rapid development of testing kits, disposable face masks, and COVID 19 vaccines slowly paved the way to progress. India showed a prompt response in the distribution of vaccines to the neighboring countries.
Preventive measures and vaccines are a beacon of hope for all the countries fighting the pandemic. The international community and leadership bodies now must step in to solve the economic crisis that has surrounded the globe. It’s time to deliver the necessary response.
