“Syndemic” refers to the simultaneous and interacting effects of multiple epidemics in a population that exacerbate each other’s effects and increase the burden of disease and health inequalities. Syndemics are the result of biological co-morbidity, and reflect unjust social structures such as poverty, discrimination and gender inequality. By emphasizing the linkages between biological, social and environmental factors, the syndemic approach goes beyond unidimensional models and emphasizes the need for comprehensive interventions at the health, economic and political levels. The experience of COVID-19 has shown that understanding and managing diseases is not possible without considering the social context. Consequently, adopting a syndemic perspective can provide an effective way to promote equity and resilience of health systems.