Global Advances in Health and Medicine (Apr 2021)

Preventing a Post-Pandemic Double Burden of Disease in the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • Amy Hai Yan Chan,
  • Rob Horne

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/21649561211010137
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10

Abstract

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As the world focuses on containing the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and limiting the effects of the pandemic on the global population, care must be taken not to lose sight of existing individual health issues. There is a real risk of creating a ‘post-pandemic double burden of disease’– where the pressures of having to manage acute COVID-19-related impacts on the health system are added to the existing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases or long-term conditions in developed countries. This could create a post-pandemic health crisis by devoting less attention to existing health conditions. A growing evidence base from other epidemics and health emergencies highlight the potential negative impact of short-term health crises on long-term public health. The significant disruptions to the usual healthcare systems and society can lead to increased morbidity and mortality in the long-term if not managed appropriately. This viewpoint provides an overview of the evidence to support the management of long-term conditions during, and after, health emergencies, to limit the impact of COVID-19 on public health in the short- and long-term.