Latin America vaccines stoke controversy

Outlook

While Chile has thus far proved the region’s best performer in securing and rolling out COVID-19 vaccines, most of Latin America continues to struggle with supply, uncertain delivery dates and roll-out; some Brazilian cities have suspended jabs due to shortages. Failure to advance more swiftly will raise serious concerns ahead of the Southern Hemisphere winter.

The politics of vaccines also raise concerns over take-up and instability. Ideological considerations are interpreted as underlying some vaccine decisions, while in Peru reports that leading politicians ‘jumped the queue’ for vaccines have prompted ministerial resignations and may have an impact on April’s general elections.

Impacts

• Despite relative vaccine successes, Chile may see a return to widespread protests as restrictions ease.
• Cuba is the only country developing its own vaccines, with roll-out likely in the second quarter.
• Supply issues will limit the extent of vaccination campaigns, with new virus surges likely as economies seek to reopen.
• A new COVID-19 wave in mid-2021 would see another year of economic havoc and a rise in poverty.