The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about profound global health challenges, necessitating extensive research into its myriad impacts. In the Middle Euphrates region of Iraq, a significant body of work has been dedicated to understanding these effects. Yousif et al. (2023) provided pivotal insights into the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 within this specific geographical context, establishing a crucial foundation for regional public health responses [1]. The ramifications of the pandemic extend beyond physical health, influencing mental health and consumer behaviors as well. Studies such as those conducted by Verma et al. (2022) and Murugan et al. (2022) have explored these broader societal and psychological effects, shedding light on the pandemic's multifaceted impact [2, 3]. This research underscores the extensive reach of COVID-19, affecting diverse aspects of everyday life. In investigating specific health concerns associated with COVID-19, studies have revealed various direct and indirect effects of the virus and its treatments. For instance, the research by Yousif et al. (2023) on the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, such as hair loss, demonstrates the necessity of a comprehensive understanding of the virus's full impact [9]. The long-term effects of the virus have also been a focus of recent studies. For example, Yousif NG et al. (2020) delved into the potential long-term cardiovascular impacts, such as myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, thus contributing to a broader understanding of the long-reaching consequences of COVID-19 [12]. Overall, the body of research, particularly from the Middle Euphrates region, provides valuable insights into the diverse and complex effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These studies [1–3, 9, 12]) collectively highlight the multifaceted nature of the pandemic, encompassing direct health impacts, societal changes, and long-term effects. In the evolving landscape of healthcare research during the COVID-19 pandemic, a multitude of studies have illuminated the complex interrelations between various health conditions and the virus. The investigation into the correlation between iron deficiency anemia and different infant feeding methods, for example, gains new significance under the strains of the pandemic, where nutritional strategies and healthcare priorities are in flux [13]. The study of immunological markers in specific cancers and their response to treatment becomes increasingly vital in a healthcare environment strained by COVID-19. The balance between managing the pandemic and continuing to provide care for other conditions, such as cancer, represents a critical challenge for healthcare systems [14]. Research on bacterial infections, like the sensitivity patterns of bacteria involved in urinary tract infections, is particularly relevant in the COVID-19 era. The pandemic may influence antibiotic use and resistance patterns, making this research pivotal in guiding clinical practices [15]. The application of data science and advanced algorithms in healthcare, such as in the study of mental health issues like suicide ideation, demonstrates the crucial role of technology in addressing the pandemic's wide-reaching impacts [17]. The significance of data science in tackling the complex healthcare challenges presented by COVID-19 is further underscored in other studies [18, 19]. Moreover, the focus on pathogen detection and its public health implications, as seen in the study of Listeria monocytogenes, becomes even more critical in the context of heightened vigilance against infectious diseases during the pandemic [20]. Research into cardiovascular issues like myocardial ischemia, particularly pertinent due to COVID-19-related complications, also forms a crucial part of the pandemic-era healthcare research landscape [21, 22]. In essence, these studies [13–22] collectively highlight the diverse and interconnected challenges faced by healthcare systems and researchers in the current pandemic, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to public health. As the research community continues to navigate the complexities of COVID-19, studies have increasingly focused on the virus's interactions with various health conditions and pathogens. The phylogenetic characterization of Listeria monocytogenes, for instance, has provided essential insights into the bacterial landscape, which is particularly pertinent in the context of a global health crisis [31]. Similarly, the investigation into the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism and preeclampsia has been pivotal in understanding the broader spectrum of health issues exacerbated or influenced by the pandemic [32]. The impact of the type of anesthesia used during Cesarean sections on maternal and neonatal health has also garnered attention. This area of study is crucial in the context of the pandemic, as healthcare systems strive to optimize outcomes for mothers and newborns amidst unprecedented challenges [33]. Research exploring the potential role of cytomegalovirus in breast cancer risk factors further demonstrates the intricate connections between viral infections and chronic diseases, a relationship that has become increasingly significant during the COVID-19 era [34]. Studies on cervical cancer, particularly those focusing on the expression of specific markers and their correlation with survival outcomes, provide critical insights into cancer management during the pandemic [35]. The correlation between highly sensitive C-reactive protein levels in cases of preeclampsia, with or without intrauterine-growth restriction, is another area that has seen increased focus, underscoring the need for vigilant monitoring and management of pregnancy-related conditions during COVID-19 [36]. In the realm of bacterial infections, the phylogenetic characterization of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from breast abscesses in women offers valuable information for clinical practice, especially when healthcare systems are under strain due to the pandemic [37]. The exploration of the effects of natural compounds like caffeic acid on chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity is also notable, as it provides alternative avenues for managing side effects in cancer patients, a concern that remains critical in the COVID-19 context [38]. The psycho-immunological status of patients recovered from SARS-Cov-2 offers a unique perspective on the long-term effects of the virus, highlighting the importance of comprehensive post-recovery care [39]. Studies on the impact of hematological parameters on pregnancy outcomes among women with COVID-19 infection provide critical insights for managing pregnancies during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for tailored care strategies [40]. Overall, these studies [31–46] collectively underscore the diverse and complex nature of healthcare research in the era of COVID-19. They highlight the necessity of a multifaceted approach to understanding and managing the myriad ways in which the pandemic impacts health and disease.