“Vaccine Diplomacy in Latin America and the Caribbean: The Importance of U.S.Engagement.”
Resumen: The Covid-19 pandemic is arguably the most significant economic and social disruption since World War II. In addition to being the moral and right thing to do from a public health standpoint, whichever country -19 vaccine challenge will reap enormous public diplomacy benefits. The United States should play a more prominent, more decisive role in leading distribution of safe and effective vaccines, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. Given the rise of strategic competitors China and Russia the United States needs to address global health challenges more effectively. Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is the most devastated region by the pandemic in terms of fatality rates and negative economic impacts. Latin America and the Caribbean represent 18.2% of Covid-19 cases contracted and 31% of fatalities globally, both far above the population. Countries with the highest number of deaths in the region include Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina. Covid-19 has impacted politics (e.g., Argentina, Brazil, and Haiti), drastically set back education, and put pressure on democratic governance in the region. Critically, vaccine delays in the Americas will mean economic stagnation in the region, which very likely means more migration to our Southern border.
Palabras clave: Latin America, vaccine diplomacy, economic
Autor(es): Daniel F. Runde
Editorial: Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) (2021)
