A Comparative Analysis of the Socio-Economic and Health Impacts of Three Major Pandemics: The Black Death, Spanish Flu, and Covid-19

Estelle Coulibali, Jules Sadefo Kamdem () and Clovis Foguem ()
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Estelle Coulibali: MRE - Montpellier Recherche en Economie - UM - Université de Montpellier
Jules Sadefo Kamdem: MRE - Montpellier Recherche en Economie - UM - Université de Montpellier
Clovis Foguem: METRICS - Evaluation des technologies de santé et des pratiques médicales - ULR 2694 - Université de Lille - CHRU Lille - Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire [CHU Lille], GHU Champagne - Groupement Hospitalier Universitaire de Champagne

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Abstract: Widespread occurrence of diseases, mainly infectious in a whole country or the world at a particular time, are critical events that profoundly affect societies by exposing vulnerabilities in public health systems, economies, and global cooperation mechanisms. This study provides a comparative analysis of three major pandemics, Black Death (1347-1352), Spanish Flu (1918-1920) and Covid-19 (november 2019 -2022), looking at their socioeconomic, environmental and health impacts. Through detailed comparisons, our article highlights the evolution of pandemic responses, from basic basic quarantines among others during Black Death to advanced campaign vaccination (including COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccines) and telemedicine during Covid-19. The findings emphasize the importance of robust health infrastructures, sustainable environmental policies to mitigate zoonotic risks, and strengthened international cooperation.Drawing lessons from these historical pandemics, this study offers actionable recommendations to improve global resilience against future crises. These include investments in telemedicine, resilient healthcare systems, and equitable resource-sharing platforms, in addition to leveraging artificial intelligence and promoting global health education. The insights presented aim to guide policy makers and stakeholders in fostering a sustainable and equitable approach to managing pandemics and avoid negative economic outcomes such as recessions or societal impacts such as increased isolation, stigmatization of social groups, or exacerbation of inequalities.

Keywords: Pandemic Black Death Spanish flu COVID-19 Socio-economic impact Public health Crisis management Sustainable development; Pandemic; Black Death; Spanish flu; COVID-19; Socio-economic impact; Public health; Crisis management; Sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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