The Impacts of COVID-19 on the MENA Economic Security

Arafat offers an in-depth analysis of the impacts of COVID-19 on MENA economic security. Focusing on the impacts of COVID-19 on MENA economic security, this chapter draws attention to the state of health systems in the MENA region, the state of health expenditures in the MENA region, and the economic impact of COVID-19 on the countries of the MENA region. “The Impacts of COVID-19 on the MENA Economic Security” concludes that COVID-19 exacerbates the MENA region's already fragile economy, resulting in a drop in oil prices, rising food costs, inflation, debt, and unemployment, particularly among youth and women. It also concludes that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased poverty and inequality, particularly among those in the bottom 40%, and worsened inequalities within and between MENA countries, disproportionately hurting marginalized groups, including women, youth, refugees, and migrants.