Coronavirus and its Consequences

Think Global Health is monitoring the unfolding coronavirus outbreak and its economic and social consequences. We will be updating our home page frequently with new stories and report on new developments as they occur.

Much at Stake as EU Battles COVID-19

Does Europe have the will to unite as one and protect global health around the world, or will national politics prevail?

Russia’s Not Ready for Coronavirus

Notwithstanding vigorous containment efforts and typical bluster, Russia faces a reckoning if COVID-19 cannot be stopped

Governance

Anticipating Coronavirus in West Africa

Interview with Nigeria CDC leader Chikwe Ihekweazu on outbreak detection, preparedness, response, and COVID-19 in Africa

Governance

How to Save Lives in a COVID-19 Pandemic

Global preparedness is critical to saving lives and sparing health, societal, and economic impacts—now and in the future

Governance

Africa is not Starting from Scratch on COVID-19

Success against coronavirus will require national leadership, engaged local responders, and strong cooperation with NGOs

Trade

Coronavirus in Iran—An Isolated Response?

As the COVID-19 crisis deepens, will Tehran wean itself off suspicions and collaborate in efforts to control the virus?

Governance

Why is Southeast Asia Responding Differently to COVID-19?

Fundamental differences and objectives between nation states in Southeast Asia influence their responses to COVID-19

Trade

Coronavirus and the World Economy

A pandemic longer than a year may lead to business failures, mass unemployment, and a world thrown into global recession

Gender

Gender and the Coronavirus Outbreak

Gender inequities make outbreaks worse, so why not integrate gender analysis into the response now to help save lives?

Migration

Travel Restrictions on China due to COVID-19

A new global tracker mapping the impact of the new coronavirus on movement around the world

Governance

UPDATED: Timeline of the Coronavirus

A frequently updated tracker of emerging developments from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic

Governance

Waging Another Public Health "War?"

Overreliance on military language in global health risks missing more appropriate, effective and compassionate responses

Migration

Panicky Responses to the Coronavirus are Dangerous—Here’s Why

Fear of the virus may spread faster than the virus itself, a potential threat to health, liberty, trade, and the economy

Governance

What's Next for COVID-19?

Containment of the coronavirus would make an enormous difference to health around the world. Is it still possible?

Governance

Will “Mysterious” Virus Soon be Named?

The WHO is forming a committee to pick an official name for 2019-nCoV, the new coronavirus—but what do we do until then?

Governance

The Politics of the Coronavirus Outbreak

Why are outbreaks common in Asia, and what political choices can governments make to reduce risk of infectious diseases?

Governance

Dr. Tom Frieden on the Politics of Epidemics

Health protection can fight disease, reduce economic losses, and save lives

Governance

Coronavirus—Unknown Source, Unrecognized Spread, and Pandemic Potential

With novel coronavirus expected to become pandemic, it’s past time to prioritize Africa where cases are likely occurring

Trade

Coronavirus and the Cruel Cost of Closing Borders

Travel bans rarely prevent disease spread, but they have negative consequences—and may violate international health law

Governance

Why Global Governance of Disease Matters for the Emergence of a Novel Coronavirus

As WHO manages outbreak, how can we strengthen global governance tools and ensure existing systems fit an evolving world

Food

The Market, the Clinic, the Lung, and the Lab

An interview with University of Iowa expert Stanley Perlman on what we know and what we don’t about the new coronavirus