The sessions were chaired by Zarina Nahar Kabir, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society at Karolinska Institute; and Ahmed Mushtaque Raza Chowdhury, PhD, professor of Population and Family Health at Columbia University and adviser to the James P Grant School of Public Health at Brac University.

It was evident from the webinar’s presentations that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on LMICs globally, and it is crucial that we work together to build a more resilient future. LMICs with weak health systems are struggling to cope with the pandemic, and the prevalence of comorbidities has increased the risk of direct and indirect consequences on our populations. The pandemic's impact and associated restrictions on mental health have also raised widespread concern, with recent evidence showing an increase in mental health problems.

It has been emphasized at the webinar that a coordinated effort from different stakeholders from a very early stage is extremely important to tackle future pandemics, especially for LMICs.