Health and vulnerability in a time of economic uncertainty.

摘要

Many countries experienced serious difficulties in relation to the economic crisis in the third quarter of 2008. These difficulties will continue to affect some nations for years to come. Iceland, where the banking sector had grown well beyond the capacity of the country, was seriously hit as the three main banks collapsed and were nationalized. The nation, which only weeks earlier was one of the world's richest nation (per OECD statistics) and had paid off most of its debts, now faced devastating private and national debt. In all likelihood, it will be the next generations that shoulder these debts. During the crisis, some people lost their savings and others were left with serious personal debt. The public expressed anger toward the bankers and the authorities. Now, questions remain: what will be the impact of the crisis on the health of the nation and the services provided?; and which groups are the most vulnerable and need special attention and assistance?