What is the future of health systems in Latin America?

Health systems all across Latin America have been put under extreme stress tests during the Covid-19 pandemic. The lasting effects of the crisis are likely to persist for the region’s economy and society, but healthcare is also likely to suffer. “The Americas are at risk of losing years of health gains in a matter of months”, said Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) director Clarisse Etienne, during the organization’s weekly press briefing.

Experts point out that the economic and social consequences of the Covid-19 crisis will severely affect the region’s health systems in the long and short term. Among the immediate impacts on the health sector will be the return to regular routines in hospitals and health clinics.

“One big issue regards when society returns to normal and when people feel confident in going back to surgeries, and when hospitals will be ready and safe for these patients,” explains Zoe Dauth, senior manager at the Americas Society/Council of the Americas (AS/COA).

The interruption and suspension of treatments for chronic or contagious diseases — such as diabetes, tuberculosis, and HIV — will also have an impact on regional healthcare. “Eleven countries in the Americas have less than three months’ supply of antiretrovirals for HIV, and others are running short of tuberculosis medication,” said Ms. Etienne.

In Brazil, there was a 40 percent reduction in tuberculosis diagnostic tests during the pandemic period, according to pulmonologist and research professor at Oswaldo...