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Repository

The topics for discussion on this portal have already been analyzed by multiple actors. In this repository, the GS / OAS brings together some of them, as one more contribution to the discussion. This repository has two sections: In the Policy section, we will integrate information on policies relevant to the issues under discussion that are being implemented by Member States, Observer States and other States of the world. In Studies we will include analyzes, reports and reports published by academic institutions, think tanks, international and multilateral organizations, non-governmental organizations and private entities, all of them of recognized prestige, which are relevant to the conversation. The OAS will publish these articles and reports in their original language.

WHO - The World Health Organization Reminds Public to Remain Vigilant Through Mr Bean’s Essential COVID-19 Checklist

  • 22 June 2020

With cases of COVID-19 continuing to rise globally, “Mr Bean’s Essential COVID-19 Checklist” is a reminder to people about the importance of washing hands, physical distancing and demonstrating kindness to their neighbours. The PSA features a cartoon sketch of Mr Bean comically tackling a pesky roller blind to finally reveal a number of essential tips to protect people against COVID-19.  

ONU - Una estudiante de enfermería indígena mantiene a su comunidad libre de coronavirus en Chiapas

  • 12 June 2020

María Micaela Jiménez es estudiante de enfermería. Hoy es prácticamente responsable de la salud de más de 500 personas que viven en su comunidad en el estado mexicano de Chiapas. Llevándoles información en su lengua originaria, les explica las medidas de prevención y hasta hoy no se ha reportado ningún caso de COVID-19.

Government of Canada Contributes $5.3 Million to PAHO for Response to COVID-19

  • 11 June 2020

The collaboration will primarily support increased access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other critical supplies to assist countries in their efforts to save lives and limit the human-to-human transmission of the COVID-19 diseases, focusing on populations experiencing marginalization or vulnerability including health care workers.

IDB Expands Coverage for COVID-19 and Public Health Risks in Contingent Loans

  • 9 June 2020

The expanded facility includes both a one-time temporary coverage of COVID-19 given the unprecedented magnitude of the present outbreak, and a longer-term ex ante coverage for future pandemics and epidemics. The expanded facility seeks to improve countries’ public contingent liabilities management. For the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, countries can request up to $90 million or 0.6% of GDP, whichever is less. Beyond the present outbreak, countries can request coverage for future public health emergencies for up to $100 million or 1% of GDP, whichever is less.

PAHO Director Says Preparations Needed to Combat Effects of Winter, Hurricanes on COVID-19 Response

  • 9 June 2020

The PAHO Director noted, “In South America, our response to the pandemic will be impacted by the arrival of winter, while hurricane season will complicate our efforts in North and Central America, and especially in the Caribbean.”

“This is a problem for patients because respiratory illnesses leave them at greater risk of severe COVID-19 infection. It’s also a challenge for strained health systems that will have to cope with the dual burden of a coronavirus pandemic and a spike in other respiratory illnesses. It does not help that the similar symptoms will make diagnosing COVID-19 even harder,” Dr. Etienne told journalists in a briefing.

IDB - El Salvador will Strengthen its Public Policy and Fiscal Management to Face COVID-19

  • 9 June 2020

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a budget support loan to El Salvador of $250 million to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of public policy and fiscal management to address the health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19.

The program supports the introduction of temporary measures to protect the income of vulnerable households and to increase the liquidity of firms during the health and economic crisis, among which the allocation of a monetary contribution to low-income households, suspension temporary payment of domiciliary services, and the postponement of the payment of taxes for certain groups of companies and shops.

PAHO Issues Guidance to Reduce COVID-19 Transmission Among Indigenous, Afro-Descendant Groups

  • 8 June 2020

The PAHO guidance notes that these groups face singular challenges, such as higher poverty levels, lack of access to some basic services such as water and sanitation, and cultural barriers, including language barriers. Other factors that can increase their vulnerability include health service access barriers, a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, less access to social safety nets, mistrust caused by a history of racism, and high levels of informal labor among members of these communities.

No Time to Take ‘Foot Off the Pedal’ as Coronavirus Pandemic Worsens: WHO

  • 8 June 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is worsening globally, with more than 136,000 cases recorded on Sunday: the highest number in a single day, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

“More than six months into this pandemic, this is not the time for any country to take its foot off the pedal”, said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, speaking on Monday during his regular briefing on the crisis.

WHO Urges Mask Use in Confined Public Areas, Where Coronavirus still Spreads

  • 5 June 2020

Additionally, people over 60, or who have underlying health conditions, should wear medical masks in these settings, while all workers in clinical areas of health facilities should also use them – not just those who deal with COVID-19 patients.

However, WHO chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned against putting too much faith in masks, stressing that they are only part of a comprehensive strategy to defeat the disease. 

5 Reasons Costa Rica is Winning Plaudits for Fighting COVID-19: a Resident Coordinator’s blog

  • 26 May 2020

The data and facts are extremely promising: Costa Rica has the lowest COVID-19 case fatality rate in the region, and the country currently has more recovered cases than active cases. There is no registered community transmission, and daily infections have fallen significantly (they have remained below 10 cases in recent weeks). At the beginning of May, there were less than half a dozen infected patients in Intensive Care Units throughout the whole country.

How has Costa Rica achieved these impressive results? Here are five key reasons.

Recomendaciones para la limpieza y desinfección en casa con casos sospechosos o confirmados de COVID-19

  • 11 May 2020

En esta guía se presenta información sobre la higiene personal y las medidas básicas de prevención y control de infecciones, así como sobre la forma de cuidar de la manera más segura posible a la persona sospechosa de tener COVID-19 o ser portadora del virus y de evitar que la infección se propague a otros miembros del hogar. Esta ficha será de gran utilidad para el público en general como herramienta para la lucha contra la COVID-19.

Recomendaciones para la limpieza y desinfección en casa sin casos sospechosos o confirmados de COVID-19

  • 11 May 2020

En esta guía se presenta información sobre la higiene personal y las medidas básicas de prevención y control de infecciones con el propósito de evitar que la infección se propague. Esta ficha será de gran utilidad para el público en general como herramienta para la lucha contra la COVID-19.

Healthcare Workers Must be Protected while Vaccinating During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • 29 April 2020
Healthcare Workers Must be Protected while Vaccinating During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Health authorities should take specific steps to protect health care workers and communities during essential immunization activities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, say experts at the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).

El consumo de bebidas alcohólicas no protege frente a la COVID-19

  • 31 March 2020

El alcohol es una sustancia nociva que tiene un efecto adverso en prácticamente todos los órganos del cuerpo y el riesgo de daño para la salud aumenta con cada trago que se consume. El consumo de bebidas alcohólicas, sobre todo si es excesivo, debilita el sistema inmunitario y reduce la capacidad para hacer frente a las enfermedades infecciosas, incluida la COVID-19. El consumo excesivo de alcohol es un factor de riesgo de síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda (SDRA), una de las complicaciones más graves de la COVID-19.

Considerations on Social Distancing and Travel-Related Measures in the Context of the Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

  • 23 March 2020

Measures, adopted individually or in combination depending on the context, should be implemented as soon as possible after the determination of the transmission scenario. From the experience in countries, in WHO Regions other than the Americas, having experienced different transmission scenarios since the beginning of the pandemic, it seems prudent to plan for the implementation of measures for, at least, two to three months.

Consideraciones psicosociales y de salud mental durante el brote de COVID-19

  • 12 March 2020

La OMS y las autoridades de salud pública de todo el mundo están actuando para contener el brote de COVID-19. Sin embargo, este momento de crisis está generando estrés en la población. Estas consideraciones de salud mental fueron elaboradas por el Departamento de la OMS de Salud Mental y Uso de Sustancias, como mensajes dirigidos a diferentes grupos clave para apoyar el bienestar psicosocial y la salud mental durante el brote de COVID-19.

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