Intergenerational trauma: A silent contributor to mental health deterioration in Afghanistan

Abstract Multiple theories, including family systems, epigenetics, attachments, and many others, have proposed mechanisms for trauma transmission from generation to generation. Intergenerational trauma is today one of the most important psychosocial issues affecting Afghans’ mental health and psychology, with the potential to affect subsequent generations. A variety of factors have impacted the mental health of the Afghan population over the years, including years of conflict, socioeconomic instability, natural disasters, chronic drought conditions, economic turmoil, and food insecurity, all of which have been exacerbated by recent political turbulence and the The Coronavirus pandemic COVID‐19 pandemic that has further increased the susceptibility to intergenerational trauma among the Afghan population. International bodies must play a role in addressing intergenerational trauma among Afghans. Breaking the chain in future generations will be possible by resolving political issues, providing adequate health facilities, financial support, and eliminating stigmas associated with mental health issues

What has been learned about COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy in Pakistan: Insights from a narrative review

Abstract Background Vaccine hesitancy is not a new phenomenon to Pakistan. This is evidenced through the slow progress of previous vaccination campaigns and programs against MMR, BCG, and especially polio. This issue continues to persist and is therefore becoming the cause of low COVID‐19 vaccination rates in Pakistan. Aim To provide insights about COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among Pakistanis, and its potential harm on public health. Moreover, we aim provide recommendations to counter the factors limiting the COVID‐19 vaccination in Pakistan. Methodology A Boolean search was conducted to find the literature in MEDLINE‐PubMed, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases up till March 16, 2022. Specific keywords were used which comprised of “SARS‐CoV‐2,” “COVID‐19,” “vaccine hesitancy,” “vaccine acceptance,” “intention to vaccinate,” and “Pakistan,” with use of “OR” and “AND.” Only free full‐text original studies in English language were used to compare and contrast. Results As proven by various studies, COVID‐19 vaccination rates are influenced by multiple factors, including inaccurate beliefs about COVID‐19, hesitancy amongst healthcare workers, uncertainty regarding vaccine's efficacy and fear of side effects. Various conspiracy theories and lower testing rates among others also add up to impose a negative impact on the vaccination rates and public health of Pakistan. This may lead to newer strains of potentially harmful COVID‐19, mental health deterioration, and prolonged lockdowns. Conclusion Vaccine hesitancy is a global public health threat, and its impacts are pronounced in Pakistan. This is reflected in the COVID‐19 pandemic; low vaccination rates in Pakistan may lead to future outbreaks of new, potentially harmful, strains of COVID‐19 which can prolong lockdowns in the country and affect mental health of the population. To improve the current situations, it is imperative for the government, educational institutes, and healthcare systems to develop trust and continually use dialogue, communication, and education to address misconceptions to improve COVID‐19 vaccination in Pakistan

Toward a meta-vaccine future: Promoting vaccine confidence in the metaverse

The metaverse has a promising role to serve as a global platform and tackle one of the most intractable public health challenges; vaccine hesitancy. Active efforts in this field can enhance vaccine acceptance thus leading to better community health protection. By embracing digital health innovations, the metaverse potentially creates an interactive environment for interdisciplinary collaborations that can foster novel approaches in tackling vaccine hesitancy as well as future pandemics. This paper aims to highlight the unique areas where the metaverse can enhance vaccination confidence, educate about vaccine working principles, and offer collaborative healthcare initiatives in this virtual community