Author: Firas al Omari, Yr 12
The largest country in Latin America and 5th largest country in the world becomes the newest country to succumb to coronavirus’ clutches. Seemingly out of nowhere, this major country boasting over 200,000,000 inhabitants has quickly risen in the rankings to become the 2nd most heavily affected nation in the world, overtaking Russia and Spain. However, Brazil’s already tense economic and geopolitical situation has resulted in staggering statistics; starkly unlike anything previously reported. Currently, there have been 650,000 cases of the virus, with over 300,000 still active. Of these active cases, 10,000 have been classified as critical. And of the remaining closed cases, 35,000 have resulted in deaths. This is more than 10% of closed cases. This figure is astronomical, yet is nothing compared to the 100,000 deaths projected, as experts have announced that the country is yet to experience the peak of the virus. It has been estimated that as many as 100,000 victims will lose their lives to the outbreak. It also has the highest single number of deaths resulting from the virus spanning 24 hours, with 1200 deaths in May 19. This has quickly made it the new epicenter for the virus, dethroning hot spots Spain and Italy.
Brazil has a developing economy, and therefore has fewer resources available to quell the epidemic when compared to previous hotspot Italy. To date, Italy has spent 850 billion dollars (€750 billion) on its coronavirus relief initiative. When compared to Brazil’s measly 150 billion dollars, it becomes clearer to see why Brazil’s casualties are as high as they are; especially since it has 4 times Italy’s population yet can only afford to spare 20% of its budget. Therefore, it is much more difficult for emergency authorities to take the necessary responsive actions; they aren’t even able to successfully convince people to remain home and social distance. In fact, it is reported that 45-60% of Brazilian citizens are refusing to obey the authorities; openly defying self-isolation and social-distancing preventive measures. This statistic comes from cellular tracking data, meaning that even these hitherto prodigious numbers may be severely deflated as poorer Brazilians fly under the radar. The huge economic disparity in the country is yet another cause of the the slums of Brazil are a breeding ground for the virus: over 11 million people are reported to be living in horrific living conditions. With overcrowded dwellings housing multiple families at one time, unhygienic water facilities. In addition, they cannot afford to stay home as they need to work to barely make ends meet; leading to a further spread of the contagion, not only in these poorer communities, but across the entirety of the nation.
Hospitals and medical staff have found themselves wholly overwhelmed. As early as the 18th of March, before the situation exploded out of control, São Paulo (the richest and most populous state of Brazil) denounced a lack of essential health materials, including gloves, hand sanitizer and masks. In addition, medical staff were only able to test patients who appeared to be critically ill. This was due to half-measures taken by the government, as well as lack of staff properly trained to take these tests. To combat this, new COVID-19 tests were being developed to maximize efficiency and minimize contact; only one drop of blood would be required to be drawn up from a patient. However, many setbacks meant it was delayed past the point of feasible efficacy. Without the bare, crucial resources, health care professionals were in as much danger as their patients; having to make makeshift masks out of caps in this dire situation. This lack of personal protective equipment made professionals reluctant to carry out effective treatment and has also been a factor in this perfect storm. Banal arguments between the minister of health and the president over the strictness of the social distancing guidelines developed into inaction. The minister of health was strongly advocating for stricter social distancing guidelines and clashed with the president till he was finally fired. This contributed to the lack of containment of the virus, and the president’s casual attitude to the pandemic is quite comparable to Trump’s. Both men are now responsible for the top 2 most affected countries; both having the highest numbers of cases and deaths.
Possible remedies were recommended, although they lacked any medical research and backing. The greatest example of this is hydroxychloroquine, a drug used to combat malaria. Despite there being no scientific evidence, the President of Brazil has advised its usage strongly; even going as far as to fire the health minister’s successor over a dispute regarding the drugs potency. Over 2 million doses were sent Brazil’s way by the U.S, at its president’s request. This is a waste of money at best, and a gross complication at worst, as it is now believed that the drug could cause cardiac toxicity. A rudimentary form of this drug (“quina”) is also used in rural communities as a natural medicine.
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