Bolivia Overwhelmed by Second Wave
International news about Bolivia is often scarce or poorly reported. For many, our blog serves as an important source for updates on the country. Last fall we were pleased to report that COVID-19 cases had decreased and surgeries were resuming in most of our programs. But now we must share that Bolivia has entered a second wave of the pandemic. Positive COVID-19 cases in January have surpassed the highest points of 2020.
In mid-January, Bolivia was reported to have a positivity rate of 43%—the highest in the world at that time. Cases have been particularly widespread in the country's smallest and least-resourced departments. The Amazonian region of Beni, for example, has a growing population but limited infrastructure. The positivity rate there has been reported as high as 73%.
“There is a sense that the virus is everywhere.” shared Maria Eugenia Brockmann, Senior Director of Programs for Solidarity Bridge who is currently living in Cochabamba. “Everyone knows at least someone who is currently infected with COVID-19.”
In a bi-monthly meeting this week, between doctors on the Board of Directors of Solidarity Bridge and Puente de Solidaridad, our partners shared that their hospitals are overwhelmed and the health system is near collapse again. Severe medicine shortages—especially of imported drugs—are greatly limiting the ability to care for COVID-19 patients, as well as all others who need surgical or intensive care. Throughout much of the country, all but emergency surgeries have been suspended again because resources for post-operative intensive care are scarce. This includes surgeries in our Heart Surgery Program, which will be halted until at least March.
As was the case during the first surge last year, medical professionals are among the hardest hit population. Our beleaguered colleagues are in a demoralizing situation. Pagina Siete reported, “for professionals destined to save lives, the pandemic has dealt the biggest blow: not only do they risk their lives every day on the front line against the virus, but they are also powerless to help their patients in the absence of equipment and supplies.” In January, the country reported an average of one doctor death each day, similar to the rates seen during the height of the first wave last summer.
As we sigh with relief at each new image of our US missioners receiving their vaccines, our partners in Bolivia still wait anxiously for any to arrive at their borders. There are hopes that a small supply of the Russian Sputnik vaccine will be delivered by February, but there is very little information about this vaccine, causing additional hesitancy and concern.
Megan Kennedy-Farrell, Senior Director for Mission and Identity at Solidarity Bridge, was on the call with board members and said. “It’s devastating to hear all that our partners are facing. What does solidarity mean in a time that feels so helpless?”
Solidarity is always about relationships and commitments. Theologian Elizabeth Johnson says that in solidarity “deep connection with others is forged in such a way that their sufferings and joys become part of one’s own personal concern and a spur to transformative action.” Right now, our brothers and sisters in Bolivia—our colleagues, partners and dear friends—are suffering through the devastation of this second wave. And while our commitments continue—providing needed equipment for physicians and direct support for patients—solidarity also calls us to bear witness to this suffering. Our relationships must bring into the light this reality which is too often ignored on the world stage.
Headlines from Bolivian newspapers in January