PAHO optimistic about lowest COVID-19 numbers in more than a year in America

America reported in the last week its lowest number of infections and deaths from coronavirus in more than a year, reported the deputy director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Jarbas Barbosa.

The Brazilian doctor assured that the numbers give reasons to be “optimistic“, Although it is still due”stay alert”, Adding that more than half of the population of Latin America and the Caribbean still remains unprotected against the coronavirus.

During the last week, 800,000 new COVID-19 infections and 18,000 related deaths were reported in the Americas.

“They are the lowest COVID numbers in more than a year. We have reason to be optimistic, but we must remain vigilant”, Stated Barbosa.

In North, Central and South America, COVID-19 infections and deaths are declining, with a few exceptions, Barbosa explained: Belize has reported a “sharp increase” in deaths and Paraguay doubled its coronavirus cases in the last week .

In addition, some small islands in the Caribbean are reaching their first pandemic peaks, such as Saint Kitts and Nevis, Barbados, Anguilla, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Vaccination

Currently, almost 44% of the population of Latin America and the Caribbean has completed their vaccination schedule against COVID-19, Barbosa reported.

“And although our region has done a great job of accelerating immunization coverage in just a few months, more than half of the people in Latin America and the Caribbean remain unprotected.”, He pointed out.

In Guatemala, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, Nicaragua and Haiti, less than 20% of people have completed their vaccination schedule.

“But the good news is that more than three million doses will arrive in our region through Covax this week. And deliveries are expected to accelerate in these last months of the year”Said Barbosa.

Climate change

Before the United Nations conference on climate change, which will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, Barbosa assured that “the biggest long-term threat”For public health is climate change. “The health of our planet and the health of our people are interrelated”, He alerted.

High temperatures and air pollution have led to an increase in cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Forest fires and droughts have caused crop losses that have increased food insecurity in Latin America, said the Brazilian doctor.

Extreme weather and rising temperatures have changed our ecosystems and displaced people from their homes. “This has led to an increase in diseases such as Zika and Chagas”, He warned.

Before COP26, PAHO launched an Agenda for the Americas on Health, Environment, and Climate Change that offers governments an action plan to reduce the burden of environmental risks on health in the region.

As part of this agenda, Barbosa highlighted three points: the importance of collaboration, investment in health systems and, finally, he urged the health sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, currently responsible for up to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. carbon around the world.