What is it about?
The book offers an in-depth look at how different MENA region countries handled the COVID-19 crisis, highlighting the varied efficacy of their responses based on available resources and healthcare infrastructure. The book discusses the challenges faced by these healthcare systems, often strained by inadequate funding and infrastructure, which were further exposed during the pandemic. It also covers the significant economic impacts, including disruptions in trade, tourism, and employment, and how these influenced governmental decisions between health measures and economic stability. Additionally, it explores the political landscape, noting how authoritarian regimes managed public health directives and the resultant heightened political tensions. The social effects on vulnerable groups like refugees and migrant workers are also analyzed, emphasizing the need for equitable healthcare access and addressing social inequalities. The book concludes with lessons from these experiences, stressing the importance of investing in healthcare infrastructure and enhancing regional cooperation to better handle future health crises. This comprehensive analysis provides crucial insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers into navigating public health challenges in politically and economically diverse regions.
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Why is it important?
This book is unique and important as it offers an exploration of crisis policymaking within the complex political contexts of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The volume provides insights into the dynamics of power, control, and public compliance, which are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of health policies. The book provides a comparative perspective on the diverse governance structures within MENA—from monarchies to military regimes—and how their unique approaches to crisis management can lead to varied outcomes in public health crises. Additionally, it addresses the compounded challenges posed by ongoing conflicts, economic instability, and social unrest, highlighting the interplay between a health crisis and other crises. The exploration of the pandemic’s social consequences on vulnerable populations like refugees and migrant workers adds depth to the analysis, emphasizing the need for inclusive health strategies. The book also underscores the importance of regional cooperation and the lessons learned from the pandemic responses, serving as both a historical record and a guide for future crisis management. This comprehensive analysis makes the book an essential resource for policymakers, health professionals, and scholars, offering critical reflections on managing a global health crisis in a politically diverse and challenging region.
Perspectives
It was enlightening to observe the diverse approaches taken by different MENA countries, especially under authoritarian regimes and in regions burdened by polycrises. This book not only enriched my knowledge of crisis publicymaking and political dynamics but also provided a vivid snapshot of a historic period, illustrating the resilience and challenges of policymakers and citizens in the face of a global crisis. It’s a compelling read that merges academic analysis with the immediate realities of managing a pandemic, offering valuable lessons for the future.
Dr. Anis Ben Brik
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This page is a summary of: The COVID-19 Pandemic in the Middle East and North Africa, August 2022, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.4324/9781003266259.
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