Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe: towards stronger policy that incorporates the impact of social disparities

ABSTRACT

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on countries in theEuropean Region has been devastating with substantial morbidity and mortality and broader societal and economic effects. This in part reflects poor public health leadership and politicised responses but more importantly, a failure to account for social disparities. The stop- start pattern of Public Health and Social Measures further exacerbates the disproportionate impact on those most vulnerable. A Health in All Policies lens offers an indication of the type of coherent multisectoral thinking needed to address these social disparities in the COVID-19 context as well as in pandemic planning measures going forwards.