Vacuna Amazonia has been launched by the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM) active in the Amazon region. It started the initiative this week after the number of deaths due to the coronavirus infection in the Amazon region has now reached 100,037 and vaccinations have so far only been carried out to a limited extent in these areas, reported Fides News Agency.
“Some of the factors causing this problem include the lack of sufficient vaccines to immunize the Amazon population and misinformation in different parts of the area”, said a statement on the initiative published by REPAM.
It is precisely the misinformation that prevents the organization and implementation of a vaccination campaign in some places. In fact, REPAM points out that “many people have refused to be vaccinated. But this scenario, which is exacerbated by the emergence of new ‘variants” of the virus, which are becoming more and more dangerous and deadly, is now endangering the lives of the population”.
The initiative that has now been launched aims to draw attention around the world to the tragedy that the Amazon region is currently experiencing as a result of the pandemic. First, it appeals to national governments, “to spare no effort to buy and deliver vaccines for the Amazon region, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable”. In addition, the population is called upon “to get vaccinated and not be fooled by misinformation. The communities themselves should motivate and promote such action for the common good”.
The Amazonia vaccination campaign comes as the Delta variant is causing a surge in cases in various parts of the globe, said Vatican News.
Several areas of Australia, which has seen relatively few cases during the pandemic, are battling the wave despite a weeks-long lockdown and restrictions on foreign travel.
Several American states are recording caseloads not seen in over six months. The US saw over 100,000 new infections on Wednesday.
Places like Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines are also seeking to clamp down as Covid-19 once again disrupts daily life.
