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Why Latin America’s Hospitals Are So Vulnerable to Coronavirus

By Lígia Bahia, Miguel Lago

The region spends less on healthcare than the Middle East, and other ailments like cancer have already been on the rise.

As expected, the coronavirus is spreading in Latin America. Brazil had its first confirmed case on February 26, two days later Mexico registered a first occurrence, while Argentina was investigating six potential cases. Now Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and others have also detected at least one patient with COVID-19.

What are the biggest challenges ahead for the region?

First, one needs to recognize the enormous uncertainty regarding the outbreak in Latin America – including whether a warmer climate can slowdown the coronavirus...

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