The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Mediterranean region over 18 months: bridging the health outcomes and sustainable development goals.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe, including across the Mediterranean basin. This region presents diversity in economy, culture, and societal affairs. We attempted to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the population and on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our aim being to aid in the development of COVID-19 national plans. Methods: Epidemiological data was obtained from 'Our World in Data' databases (January 2020 - July 2021). Case, mortality, and vaccination incidence comparisons were made across neighbouring countries. The SDG index, universal health coverage (UHC) and health workforce targets were collected for each country. Correlations between SDG targets and COVID-19 outcomes were analysed. Results: Similarities in morbidity and mortality outcomes were present across neighbouring countries, with a bidirectional relationship between cumulative fully vaccinated population and infectivity fatality rates. Positive relationships were present between SDG indexes, UHC and health workforces and COVID-19 cases, deaths, and vaccinations. Conclusion: At prima face, high-income countries seem to have sustained worse morbidity and mortality outcomes, despite having had better UHC and a greater health workforce in the pre-COVID-19 era however, one must also consider that factors such as health-seeking behaviour and underdiagnosis may have influenced this. Cross-border infectivity was, however, evident. Pan-Mediterranean action must therefore be taken to ensure COVID-19 transmissibility and mortality are reduced across borders, while ensuring an equitable health outcome across populations.

Optimizing Access to the COVID-19 Vaccination for People Experiencing Homelessness.

The success of the Australian COVID-19 vaccination strategy rested on access to primary healthcare. People experiencing or at risk of homelessness are less likely to access primary healthcare services. Therefore, leaders in homeless health service delivery in Sydney identified the need to develop a vaccine hub specifically for this vulnerable population. The aim of this study was to develop an evidenced based model of care to underpin the Vaccine Hub and optimize access to vaccination for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. A mixed methods study was conducted that included interviews with key stakeholders involved in establishing and delivering the Inner City COVID-19 Vaccine Hub, and a survey with people receiving COVID-19 vaccination. Over the 6-month period of this study, 4305 COVID-19 vaccinations were administered. Participants receiving vaccination reported feeling safe in the Vaccine Hub and would recommend it to others. Stakeholders paid tribute to the collective teamwork of the Vaccine Hub, the collaboration between services, the 'no wrong door' approach to increasing access and the joy of being able to support such a vulnerable population in challenging times. The study findings have been populated into a Vaccination Hub Blueprint document that can be used as a template for others to improve access to vaccinations for vulnerable populations.

A Case for Cross-Border Governance? A Comparative Trend Assessment of COVID-19 Transmission, Vaccination, and Outcomes Among 35 Nations in Europe Across 18 months.

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread globally, including across Europe, resulting in different morbidity and mortality outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic over 18 mo in relation to the effect of COVID-19 vaccination at a population level across 35 nations in Europe, while evaluating the data for cross-border epidemiological trends to identify any pertinent lessons that can be implemented in the future. METHODS: Epidemiological data were obtained from European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and Our World in Data databases while Ministry of Health websites of each respective country and local newspapers were used for COVID-19-related vaccination strategies. Case, mortality, and vaccination incidence comparative analyses were made across neighboring countries. RESULTS: Similar morbidity and mortality outcomes were evident across neighboring countries over 18 mo, with a bidirectional relationship evident between cumulative fully vaccinated population and case fatality rates. CONCLUSION: Countries' COVID-19 outcome is related on national mitigative measures, vaccination rollouts, and neighboring countries' actions and COVID-19 situations. Mass population vaccination appeared to be effective in reducing COVID-19 case severity and mortality rates. Vaccination equity and pan-European commitment for cross-border governance appear to be the way forward to ensure populations' return to "normality."

Climate Change, Obesity, and COVID-19—Global Crises with Catastrophic Consequences. Is This the Future?

Climate change and obesity were considered threats to our planet long before the onset of COVID-19. The recent pandemic has enhanced the global burden of both pre-existing crises. The aim of this narrative review is to explore the interaction between the three concurrent crises and the future of our planet should they not be dealt with accordingly. A PubMed and Google Scholar literature search was performed using different combinations of search strategies and using the keywords “obesity”, “climate/temperature change”, “cold/hot temperatures”, and “COVID-19”. High global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions link obesity and climate change as a result of the interplay between biological and behavioural factors. COVID-19 mitigation measures have indirectly impacted obesity and GHG emissions through the shift in dietary habits, restricted mobility, the impact on healthcare services, and enhanced psychological stress. Furthermore, COVID-19 has a more detrimental effect if acquired by an obese individual, with a higher chance of hospitalization and mechanical ventilation. This leads to higher GHG emissions and negative repercussions on the climate. A tri-directional relationship exists between obesity, climate change, and COVID-19. Various factors contribute to this relationship, but unless urgent global integrated action plans are implemented that target all three calamities, and not just COVID-19, a devastating and unsustainable future may ensue.

WITHDRAWN: Holidays over: a review of actual COVID-19 school outbreaks up to September 2020.

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal.