Overview

• Published in July 2025, the BMJ analysis used Global Burden of Disease 2021 data across 174 conditions in 204 countries to model indirect health impacts of pandemic-related service interruptions.
• Depressive disorder incidence rose by 23% among children aged 5 to 14 and anxiety disorder disability-adjusted life years climbed 14%, highlighting a significant youth mental health crisis.
• Malaria deaths in children under five increased by 14% and age-standardized DALY rates climbed 12% to 98 per 100,000, with the African region bearing the heaviest burden.
• Individuals aged 70 and above experienced higher cardiovascular mortality with ischemic heart disease prevalence at 169 per 100,000 and stroke at 27 per 100,000.
• Authors urge syndemic-informed preparedness through measures such as integrated surveillance, emergency budgets for essential services, and strengthened primary care to enhance system resilience.