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Pan American Health Organization: Americas remain most unequal region in the world in fight against COVID-19

Posted: Thursday, February 3, 2022. 1:59 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: As many countries and territories in Latin America and the Caribbean have failed to vaccinate at least 40 percent of their populations against COVID-19 as have immunized 70 percent and more of their population – 14.

It means, according to Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director Carissa F. Etienne, that coverage remains uneven despite a solid 63 percent total of residents of Latin America and the Caribbean being vaccinated against COVID-19.

Dr. Etienne highlighted a need for detailed data showing vaccination coverage by age, sex or by risk group which she described as “crucial to designing targeted vaccination campaigns, maximizing the impact of vaccine doses and saving lives,” with some countries reporting lower coverage among the elderly compared to younger groups who are less at risk for severe disease.

Looking towards upcoming COVID vaccination campaigns, the director announced that vaccine supplies are expected to pick up in 2022.

Thanking donors that already “helped our region secure doses when supply was limited,” Dr. Etienne said further donations from the United States, Spain, Canada, Germany, France, and other countries total some 26 million doses.

PAHO’s Revolving Fund, which has so far purchased almost 100 million doses, is also on track to obtain a further 200 million doses on behalf of the region this year.

As these doses arrive, Dr. Etienne urged countries to start making the necessary preparations for vaccine roll-out, including investing in vaccination programs, collecting and reporting detailed vaccine data, and prioritizing high-risk groups.

“Countries should refocus their efforts in protecting health workers, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly, first,” the Director said.

She also sent a special message to the millions of adults in the Caribbean who have yet to receive their vaccines. “I am a medical doctor, wife, mother, and grandmother. I could not wait to get my vaccination, I was so anxious for the wellbeing of myself and my 95-year old mother,” Dr. Etienne said.

“Please don’t delay, get vaccinated today,” she urged. “COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and they’re the best way to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from this virus.”

 

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