‘If we keep diligent, we have the power to control this virus; if we relax, make no mistake: 2021 could be much worse than 2020 ‘
Washington, DC, January 13, 2021 (PAHO) – New variants of the COVID-19 virus appear in several countries of America, along with an acceleration in the spread of the virus in almost every country in America, making it urgent to continue with public health measures such as social pace, wearing masks, and frequent hand washing, Pan American Health Group Director Carisa F. Etienne said today.
Our overall ability to keep up with these measures has the potential to determine this year’s path. If we keep diligent, we have the power to control this virus; if we rest, make no mistake: 2021 could be far worse than 2020. ”
Dr. Carissa F. Etienne
She said, “Since the beginning of this pandemic, more than 39 million people across America have been infected with COVID-19 and more than 925,000 have contracted the virus. In the last week alone, 2.5 million people were infected with COVID-19 in our area – the highest weekly cases since the virus first reached our shores. “
The PAHO genomics monitoring network of 21 laboratories has been monitoring the spread of the virus and mutations, she noted, and the variation was first reported circulating in the UK in eight countries : Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, and USA. In addition, Brazil and Canada have reported seeing another variable that was first reported in South Africa.
“At present, there is no evidence to suggest that these changes affect patients differently, but early data show that the virus can spread more easily, accelerating the risk to our health systems at a time when they are already close to capacity, ”said Etienne.
One vaccine has been approved by WHO and more are underway. Some countries in the region have started vaccinating health workers and vulnerable groups, but “as long as doses remain limited, we cannot rely on vaccines to spread the spread loop,” he said. i.
PAHO priorities in 2021 include ensuring equitable access to protective equipment for health, pharmaceutical and hospital care workers when needed, and vaccines, Etienne said.
“With the advent of vaccines, we need to ensure that not only are doses made quickly, but that they are delivered fairly and quickly across all countries – regardless of income. in. This will require global and regional collaboration and closeness, with donors deploying resources through mechanisms such as the COVAX Facility, ”she said.
PAHO is working with every country in America to help consolidate the vaccine doses that countries need to protect their populations. “We also support vaccine application design, cold chain logistics and management, information system monitoring and strengthening, health staff training, and vaccine communications design, among others,” said Etienne.
Fortunately, our region has a strong legacy of vaccination, ”she said, noting, through the PAHO Reconstitution Fund,“ Member states share their national resources to co-vaccinate and produce get connected at the lowest price. COVID will be a challenge, but I believe we can meet by working together. ”
In the coming year, political leaders will have difficult choices as we work to smooth the distribution curve. And that’s why we need leaders to work transparently so that the public understands their decisions, and the scientific evidence behind those decisions, so that we can make people gathered around a shared plan, ”said the PAHO Director.
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