Sign in Subscribe
Actors

COVID-19 Pandemic Continues to Impact Health and Healthcare Systems Worldwide

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt healthcare systems and communities around the world, with new challenges and concerns emerging daily. Despite progress made in recent years in reducing preventable childhood deaths, the pandemic threatens to reverse decades of gains. In the United States, there have been over 792 confirmed cases of a rare condition in children linked to COVID-19, with 16 reported deaths. Teachers have also fallen ill with COVID-19, with at least three deaths in the United States, highlighting the need for better protections for educators.

Key Takeaways:

  • 792 confirmed cases of Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) linked to COVID-19 have been reported in the United States, with 16 reported deaths as of September 3.
  • Hispanic/Latino and Black children have accounted for over 70% of MIS-C cases, which can cause inflammation in the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs.
  • At least three teachers have died from COVID-19 in the United States, with 604 reported cases among teachers and school staff in Mississippi alone.
  • A federal appeals court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by 50 former pro wrestlers claiming that the WWE failed to protect them from repeated head injuries.
  • The pandemic threatens to reverse gains made in reducing preventable childhood deaths worldwide, with 68% of countries experiencing disruptions in childhood checkups and vaccinations.
  • Over 5 million preventable deaths in children under 5 were reported in 2019, the lowest number on record, and the pandemic may reverse this progress.

Statistics:

  • 792 confirmed cases of MIS-C linked to COVID-19 in the United States (as of September 3)
  • 16 reported deaths from MIS-C in the United States (as of September 3)
  • 604 reported cases among teachers and school staff in Mississippi (as of September 2020)
  • Over 5 million preventable deaths in children under 5 reported in 2019 (the lowest number on record)
  • 68% of countries experienced disruptions in childhood checkups and vaccinations (UNICEF survey)
  • 52% of countries interrupted medical services for sick kids (WHO survey)
  • 51% of countries experienced disruptions in malnutrition programs (WHO survey)

Sources:

  • The New York Times
  • CBS News
  • Associated Press
  • CNN
  • CBS News
  • United Nations/ World Bank paper
  • UNICEF news release
  • WHO statement

Read more