How to deal with the pandemic’s ‘shadow variant’

Outlet: Arab News

Language: English

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating global effects beyond public health, including economic collapse, crippled international trade, and increased inequality. Governments face challenges in mapping out sustainable paths to recovery, exacerbated by weakened multilateral institutions and medical nationalism. Illiberalism has risen under the guise of public health measures, further complicating recovery efforts. This ‘shadow variant’ of societal, political, and economic vulnerabilities negatively impacts existing inequalities, particularly in the Middle East, where frustrations with pandemic responses fuel social unrest. Effective recovery requires visionary leadership, national unity, and adequate resources. The Gulf states demonstrate success in navigating the pandemic due to effective interventions and responsive governance. However, neighboring states with low vaccination rates remain vulnerable to new variants, posing challenges to regional recovery efforts. Restrictive measures risk inciting public unrest and hindering recovery, emphasizing the need for cohesive, responsible governance amidst ongoing uncertainty.

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