Part 4: Lockdowns and the hidden costs.

In this podcast, Professor Norma Correa Aste, a Peruvian anthropologist, examines the widespread harms in her country caused by COVID-19 lockdown measures. She discusses the disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities, particularly in Latin America, where economic hardship and social inequalities worsened. Correa Aste highlights the severe consequences of school closures, including learning loss and increased child labour. She critiques the lack of flexibility in public health policies, arguing that rigid lockdowns led to unintended negative outcomes such as mental health crises and economic collapse. She calls for a more balanced approach in future crises, emphasising the need to consider social and economic factors alongside public health measures.

Listen to the full podcast on your favourite podcast app.

About Norma Correa Aste

Professor and Researcher, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú.

Norma is a Peruvian anthropologist specialising in social policy and development. As the mother of two girls, Norma became a high profile advocate for school and university reopening and better pandemic responses for children, youth and vulnerable families in Peru and Latin America.

X (formerly twitter) @nb_correa

About Lucy Johnston

Lucy is Health and Social Affairs editor of the The Sunday Express and also works as a freelance journalist for a range of national print and broadcast press. Previous roles include Assistant Editor at the Big Issue and investigative journalist at the Observer. Lucy had a pivotal role setting up The Big Issue magazine in the UK. 

X (formerly twitter) @thelucyjohnston

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