Covid's hidden toll: Mental health, malaria, heart disease
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A new study by the BMJ has revealed that the pandemic disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, leading to sharp rises in illness and death from non-Covid causes such as mental health issues, malaria, stroke, and heart disease.
Covid disrupted more than just infections
Data from 204 countries including India revealed that depressive disorders increased by 23% in children aged 5–14 between 2020 and 2021.
Mental health disorders surged in children
Malaria deaths jumped by 14% in children under five, and the age-standardised death rate rose by 12%, with the highest burden seen in the African region.
Malaria deaths rose among young children
People aged 70 and older saw significant increases in heart disease and stroke prevalence, with ischemic heart disease affecting 169 per 100,000 and stroke affecting 27 per 100,000 in this group.
Heart disease and stroke worsened
Age-standardised DALY (disability-adjusted life years) rates rose by 12% for depression and anxiety, and by 14% for anxiety alone.
Mental health disease burden
The study highlights how Covid-19 interacted with existing health problems to create a 'syndemic'—a situation where multiple health issues overlap and worsen outcomes for populations.
The pandemic caused a 'syndemic' health crisis
Researchers used data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 to simulate the impact across 174 conditions in different age groups and regions—offering one of the most comprehensive views to date.
Data used
Researchers call for better resilience in health systems, including integrated surveillance, emergency funding for essential services, and expansion of universal health coverage.
Stronger health systems are needed
This study highlights how data can guide smarter recovery to ensure that future health crises disrupt lives less and afflict populations more evenly, say researchers.
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