The coronavirus pandemic revealed and exacerbated some of the world’s deepest differences, as well as showing areas of strength and resilience. This rich mix of impacts will play out differently in different places, communities and nations – and could have profound implications for years to come.
People in the United States have mixed feelings about how well their local hospitals and government agencies responded to the pandemic. In October 2024, Americans were more likely to say their community health centers did a good job than their local schools. The pandemic also highlighted societal disparities in things like access to technology and the option to work remotely.
As lockdowns lifted, some people began to get back to their normal lives – but for others, the pandemic had long-term effects on their mental and physical health. The impact on human health is one of the main findings of the Wellcome Global Monitor 2020: Covid-19 report, alongside the fact that income losses during the pandemic disproportionately hit low- and lower-middle-income countries, as they were less able to withstand the economic shocks.
Millions of people whose jobs were lost during the pandemic could be out of work for a long time, which is bad news for their families and communities. It’s a warning that the impact of the virus is far from over and must be addressed. The best way to do that is by getting lifesaving tests, treatments and vaccines from the lab to people who need them – everywhere. That’s why the ACT Accelerator is working with a broad coalition of partners – including scientists, businesses, governments, civil society and philanthropies, including Wellcome – to drive forward the research needed to get these tools to those who need them.