ABSTRACT

Covid-19 had major socio-economic impacts on the populations and societies of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. Government reactions depended on their public health institutions/infrastructures, official ideologies and understanding of the situation, as well as wars/conflicts and sanctions. To counter the impact of the pandemic, countries adopted a combination of cash payments to the poor, furlough schemes and financial support to employers. But public health services in most countries have been poorly resourced to cope with the pandemic. Considering that most countries are characterized by inequality in the distribution of income/wealth, entitlement and access to health services and social protection, states need to reorientate public expenditure towards public health and the reduction of inequality.

摘要

Covid-19 对中东和北非 (MENA) 国家的人口和社会产生了重大的社会经济影响。政府的反应取决于他们的公共卫生机构/基础设施、官方意识形态和对局势的理解，以及战争/冲突和制裁。为了应对这一流行病的影响，各国采取了向穷人支付现金、休假计划和向雇主提供财政支持的相结合。但大多数国家的公共卫生服务资源不足，无法应对这一流行病。考虑到大多数国家的特点是收入/财富分配、权利和获得卫生服务和社会保护方面的不平等，各国需要将公共支出重新导向公共卫生和减少不平等。