Variability in excess deaths across countries with different vulnerability during 2020-2023
Abstract
Excess deaths during 2020-2023 reflect direct and indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and of the measures taken. Data from 34 countries with detailed death registration and allowing adjustment for changes in the age structure of the population over time show two groups, each with very different excess death outcomes. The 17 more vulnerable countries (those with per capita nominal GDP < $30,000, Gini > 0.35 for income inequality and/or ≥2.5% of their population living in poverty) had very high excess deaths compared with 2017-2019, while the other 17 less vulnerable countries had deaths during 2020-2023 that were comparable to 2017-2019. Continuous monitoring of excess deaths helps understand how country vulnerability shapes long-term impacts.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- November 2023
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.2309557120
- Bibcode:
- 2023PNAS..12009557I