Brazil is racing against time to curb its spiraling COVID-19 crisis, with public health experts warning of an 🚨\"unimaginable loss of lives\"🚨 if urgent measures aren’t taken. A Science journal report by Harvard and Brazilian researchers blames systemic inequities, vaccine mismanagement, and the promotion of unproven treatments like chloroquine for deepening the tragedy.
Collapsing Hospitals & Grim Milestones
With over 360,000 deaths (second highest globally) and 13 million cases, Brazil’s healthcare system is buckling. In Manaus, hospitals have run out of beds and oxygen, while 24 of 27 states report ICUs at 80%+ capacity. Rio de Janeiro recorded more deaths than births for six straight months—a trend mirrored in 10+ major cities. 💔
Children at Risk & the P1 Variant Threat
Over 1,300 babies have died from COVID-19 in Brazil, with rising cases of rare multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS) in children. The highly contagious P1 variant—2.5x more transmissible and antibody-resistant—is fueling outbreaks. \"Letting the virus replicate freely will cause more mutations,\" warns microbiologist Natalia Pasternak.
Vaccine Delays & Leadership Controversy
Despite vaccine shortages and slow rollouts, President Jair Bolsonaro opposes lockdowns, while some states ease restrictions. Experts say significant vaccination impact won’t come until late 2021.🌡️ \"Brazil’s federal response has been a dangerous mix of inaction and wrongdoing,\" the report concludes.
