In recent weeks we have seen how the country’s situation in the face of the covid pandemic has presented alarming indicators of infections, occupation of hospitals and ICUs, low availability of vaccines and, of course, an increase in deaths.
The first thing is to say that we are far from meeting the goals formulated by the Government itself in terms of the application of vaccines. Last December, almost 6 million people with a complete scheme were missing, and in January, more than 3.5 million with respect to the Ministry’s objectives. When compared to other countries in the region such as Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru, Colombia ranks last in complete vaccination schedules. What happened? It will be for a reason that countries like the United States once again recommend not coming to Colombia.
The main problem has been the lack of biologics in the country. Important purchases have been announced for more than 20 million doses, as well as new direct donations and through the Covax mechanism. It is urgent that these announcements become a reality and vaccination can be strongly resumed, mainly in the regions, and the 3-dose booster program for the most vulnerable population.
Regarding the number of infections and deaths, Colombia is also doing very poorly in the regional context. By January 23, our infection rate has increased 12 times compared to December 1 last year and the number of deaths has tripled, the third highest rate among all countries in the region.
Of course, what is observed is an increase in bed occupancy, both for general hospitalization and intermediate care and for ICUs, due to covid. This occupation has multiplied by four in cases associated with the pandemic, and in some regions of the country such as Antioquia, for example, that ICU occupation has already reached levels of 92%.
The data is alarming, because in less than three weeks there has been a sharp decrease in hospital capacity and we are far from seeing the end of this fourth peak, so the prognosis is very unflattering and, worst of all, with a high probability of preventable deaths.
It is also urgent that the requirement of the vaccination card be deepened in events and places with crowds and that its requirement be extended to all types of entities such as banks, notaries, public service offices, all government offices and, of course, schools. , universities and entities of the health system. And why not think, as has already been done in other countries, of requiring the card to enter companies with more than a certain number of workers. And launch some vaccination brigades in all schools, public and private –child who enters, child who is vaccinated–, without excuse, the same with teachers and administrative staff.
More than 30 countries, including the United States and practically all European countries, have already authorized drugs to treat covid. Those of the Pfizer and Merck houses are known for use in serious cases and to avoid hospitalization. When will our bureaucratic Invima authorize its use in Colombia? What are you waiting for, when it is already proven that they reduce mortality by more than 85%? And when will they think to authorize the home tests available in any drugstore in the entire world, except in Colombia?
I believe that the debate on the obligatory nature of the vaccine should not be closed. It is absolutely proven that the cases of infections, hospitalization and death are largely associated with the lack of vaccination. Some countries have dared to take the step to make it mandatory, and if such a critical deterioration of the situation continues to occur in Colombia, it would be worth furthering measures that allow universal vaccination in the country.
I am assailed by the concern that the issue of covid has inexplicably receded into the background. It doesn’t even make headlines anymore. It seems that it is no longer the priority of the National Government or the territorial entities. And while all the indicators deteriorate worryingly, including the 300 deaths per day, our new minister, character of the year 2021, was swallowed up by the earth.
GERMAN VARGAS LLERAS
(Read all columns of German Vargas Lleras in TIME here).
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