Protecting indigenous communities from COVID-19

PAHO is working with indigenous organizations to strengthen the COVID-19 response in the Amazon Basin.

Indigenous communities in South America are experiencing increased numbers of cases and deaths from COVID-19. Access to health services is challenging for indigenous peoples living in urban areas and in remote settlements.

Hard to reach areas
Indigenous children from remote areas
PAHO reaches isolated populations

As countries of the Americas are engaged in fighting the pandemic, and the world awaits a vaccine indigenous communities face an especially grave threat from COVID-19.

PAHO is working closely with the Coordinator of Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon River Basin (COICA), an association of indigenous organizations from the Peruvian jungle, eastern Bolivia, and the Amazon regions of Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador.

PAHO and COICA have jointly called on national governments to ensure that indigenous communities have the health care they need.

PAHO has called on these countries’ governments to implement measures that will curb the spread of the pandemic in these vulnerable communities, including more health workers, medical supplies, COVID-19 tests, and vaccines and treatments when they become available. PAHO’s work with and for indigenous peoples is part of its ongoing commitment to advancing health for all and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Coronavirus infections