How do the Covid-19 Prevention Measures Interact with Sustainable Development Goals?

TL;DR

This paper presents a System Dynamic model linking COVID-19 preventive measures with Sustainable Development Goals to better understand vulnerabilities and inform decision-making during the pandemic.

Contribution

It introduces a novel qualitative SD model connecting COVID-19 measures with SDGs, aiding in strategic planning and policy formulation.

Findings

Provides a comprehensive view of COVID-19 vulnerabilities.

Highlights the complex interactions between health measures and SDGs.

Suggests tailored, real-time research for effective SDG achievement during crises.

Abstract

Washing hands, social distancing and staying at home are the preventive measures set in place to contain the spread of the COVID-19, a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. These measures, although straightforward to follow, highlight the tip of an imbalanced socio-economic and socio-technological iceberg. Here, a System Dynamic (SD) model of COVID-19 preventive measures and their correlation with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is presented. The result demonstrates a better informed view of the COVID-19 vulnerability landscape. This novel qualitative approach refreshes debates on the future of SDGS amid the crisis and provides a powerful mental representation for decision makers to find leverage points that aid in preventing long-term disruptive impacts of this health crisis on people, planet and economy. There is a need for further tailor-made and real-time qualitative and quantitative scientific research to calibrate the criticality of meeting the SDGS targets in different countries according to ongoing lessons learned from this health crisis.