COVID-19 AND THE SYNDEMIC: CONVERGING HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRISES IN BRAZIL

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic intensified interconnected health, social, and environmental crises in Brazil, constituting a syndemic scenario aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 5, 10, 11, 13). This convergence exposed structural inequalities and systemic fragilities, demanding integrated analyses. Objective: To examine how the pandemic exacerbated crises across the three sustainability pillars, focusing on disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations (particularly women) and their interfaces with the SDGs. Methodology: Scoping review (Joanna Briggs protocol) across national and international databases. Results: The six included studies revealed: (1) Deepening gender inequalities (SDGs 5 and 10); (2) Weakening of preventive services and dependence on imported supplies (SDG 3); (3) Critical underrepresentation of the environmental dimension (only 33% of studies addressed SDGs 11 and 13). Intersectoral policies aligned with the SDGs are urgent, focusing on: domestic vaccine production (SDGs 3 and 9), gender equity (SDG 5), reduction of inequalities (SDG 10), and sustainable urban systems (SDGs 11 and 13). Conclusion: Fragmented responses are insufficient for syndemic crises. Integrated sustainability — health, social justice, and environmental resilience — must be the core axis of public policies, overcoming gaps in Brazilian scientific production.