Health inequalities worsen in North West England post-pandemic

Five years after the Covid-19 pandemic began, its effects are still felt in many communities in the UK, particularly in the North West. Dr. Sakthi Karunanithi, the Public Health Director for Lancashire, noted that issues like disrupted schooling, financial problems, and isolation continue to impact families. Dr. Karunanithi highlighted that health inequalities have worsened since the pandemic. These inequalities were evident in the High infection rates and mortality in poorer areas, where living conditions are often crowded. The current government is promising to address these issues, aiming to narrow the gap in healthy life expectancy between rich and poor regions in England. Evidence shows that substance misuse and mental health issues like anxiety and depression have increased, especially among younger people. Vaccine uptake has also dropped, partially due to the spread of misinformation about vaccines. Dr. Wall, a GP in Greater Manchester, recalled the emotional moments during the early vaccine rollouts. Many people, especially the elderly, felt a renewed sense of hope when vaccines became available. However, the late-stage rollout faced backlash from anti-vaccine movements, leading to threats against health workers. Since the pandemic, public trust in vaccines has declined. In 2018, a high percentage of UK adults believed vaccines were safe, but by 2023, that number fell to 70%. This has made it harder for healthcare providers to address vaccine hesitancy. Despite these challenges, Dr. Wall noted some positive changes. Innovations, like vaccine buses, have made health services more accessible in communities. However, healthy life expectancy in the North West has decreased significantly since 2019. Dr. Karunanithi remains hopeful that the current government will take meaningful action to improve public health. He emphasized the need for better housing, education, and economic opportunities to improve overall health, rather than solely focusing on the NHS. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the impact of the pandemic on healthcare inequalities. They plan to tackle these disparities as part of their mission going forward, aiming to build better defenses against future health threats.