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BMJ Study Finds Pandemic Service Disruptions Drove Global Surge in Non-COVID Illnesses

Researchers call for health system reforms following findings that pandemic service interruptions led to sharp rises in mental health disorders, malaria deaths, cardiovascular disease

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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.