As inequality explains the high impact of COVID-19 in the UK

Researchers trying to explain why the UK has experienced one of the higher mortality rates for COVID-19 globally they have repeatedly pointed to inequality as one of the root causes. A recent one report of the UCL on the effect of COVID-19 on Greater Manchester provides further evidence to support this analysis.

The report, written by a team led by epidemiologist Michael Marmot, includes some startling figures. Between March 2020 and April 2021 COVID-19, mortality was 25% higher in Greater Manchester overall compared to the average in England and Wales and up to 75% higher in the most disadvantaged areas of Manchester.

These figures were calculated from official mortality records. Mortality rates were standardized by age to take into account the age profile of Greater Manchester. The measure is the proportion of deaths in Greater Manchester compared to the number of deaths we would expect to see based on age-specific mortality rates in England and Wales and the number of people in Greater Manchester in each group. age. This matters as older adults are much more likely die of COVID-19.

The authors of the report present provisional trends in the North West of England, showing a fall lifespan by 2020 for all social groups and rising inequalities. Life expectancy in the most disadvantaged parts of the Northwest is now 11.3 years lower for men and 9.5 years lower for women than in the less disadvantaged areas.

The report describes the priority areas of what is called “rebuilding more equitably,” reflecting on the government’s stated goal for its COVID-19 recovery plans. rebuild better. The authors ’recommendations include prioritizing children’s health and social care, investing in places, and setting goals to reduce social and health inequalities. If the government is committed to its “level-up” strategy, they conclude, it should combine economic growth with the fight against inequality.

Reproducible finds

On the one hand, the question posed by Marmot’s review: does living in Greater Manchester pose an additional risk of being affected by COVID-19? – it is not unfounded.

First, Greater Manchester itself was placed under strict regional restrictions for longer than any other region or place. He followed that decision high infection rates in the region during the second wave of England and is likely to have had one disproportionate economic impact.

Second, Greater Manchester has been particularly affected by the delta variant. That was it initially linked to historical connections between local communities and South Asia and related migratory and travel flows, before settling in areas with lower vaccination.

On the other hand, many of the factors described in the report are not exclusive to Greater Manchester. Identifies several reasons why private areas have much higher deaths. These include communities living in dense, overcrowded, multi-generational households, as well as people who have occupations that do not lend themselves to working from home or where isolation is not financially viable.

These factors have been identified as key causes of the impact of COVID-19 in many other parts of the UK, with disproportionately higher mortality rates in disadvantaged areas. accommodated i poorer cities.

Recover fairer

The Marmot review recommendations are helpful in guiding our responses to COVID-19. While the pandemic has amplified inequalities, there is no reason why our responses should follow the same.

The basis of the review recommendation is the idea that the government should invest in places. Community assets, such as schools, parks, or leisure services, can effectively promote health and well-being. These assets are severely missing in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods of England. It is important to note that these problems represent a multiparty issue this could gain political support.

Building healthier environments, including those that are greener and less polluted, is another way to invest in places. The pandemic revealed the importance of good quality green space, investing in what you can too contribute to fight against climate change.

The vaccination campaign continues at a good pace, however, the great inequalities by deprivation and ethnicity they are emerging. Helping citizens overcome their reluctance to get vaccinated requires clear and directed communication, and logistics innovation, such as carry vaccine buses in marginalized communities.

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