kevon.felmine@guardian.co.tt
While countries across the region are enjoying some freedom because the COVID-19 Omicron variant is causeing mild symptoms in most people, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) is warning that new cases and hospital admittance are rising in the Americas.
The region reported over 616,000 new cases in the last week, a 12.7 per cent increase over the previous week, while there were more than 4200 deaths, a less than 1 per cent decrease.
At PAHO’s media conference on COVID-19 in the Americas yesterday, Director Dr Carissa Etienne said the Caribbean showed a 15.4 per cent increase in new infections, with cases rising in 24 of the 34 countries and territories. Deaths also increased for the third consecutive week by 39.6 per cent compared to the previous week. Cases rose in Central America by 53.4 per cent, with three of seven countries reporting increases, while deaths continue to decline.
In North America, cases increased for the fifth consecutive week, rising 19.5 per cent from the previous week. The United States (US) reported a 27.1 per cent increase while Canada and Mexico declined in new infections. The US and Canada saw a rise in weekly COVID-19 hospitalisations.
In South America, there was an overall eight per cent decrease in new infections, although seven of the 10 countries reported increases in cases.
“Every country and territory across the region reported an increase in hospitalisations and increases in admission to Intensive Care Units. COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations are rising in far too many places. It should prompt us to strengthen our methods to combat the virus, including surveillance and preparedness,” Etienne said.
She said it is crucial for countries to monitor the evolution of the coronavirus and maintain adequate testing capacity, as data can help plan and adjust preventive measures, communicate effectively with the public and reinforce hospital capacity if needed.
As International Nurses’ Day approaches, Etienne said countries need to provide adequate compensation and mental health support for these healthcare workers. Nurses are on the frontline, helping save lives during the pandemic, but many struggle from burnout and mental health conditions, she said.
A COVID-19 Healthcare Workers Study shows that almost a quarter of healthcare workers interviewed in 2020 presented symptoms of a depressive episode and approximately 15 per cent reported having suicidal ideas.
Only a third of those who needed psychological care could receive it in some countries. In Brazil, Guatemala and Columbia, more than one of 10 members of a health workforce had symptoms of severe depression.
“Today, nurses shoulder the dual burden of caring for COVID-19 patients and catching up those who have missed routine healthcare checkups over the past two years. These overlapping stressors cause some of them to move away from their home areas, leaving hospitals and health centres drastically understaffed.”
Etienne said another study showed four per cent of nurses said they intended to leave the profession because of the pandemic. She said when nurses face difficulty in their jobs, the entire health system suffers.
PAHO found that in a study done in the Caribbean, about 45 per cent of nurses left their jobs for better working conditions. Etienne said countries need to double their investment to grow their nursing workforce and care for existing nurses.
“To meet our health needs, PAHO estimates that the region of the Americas will need 1.8 million more nurses by 2030. The United States will need to add 1.2 million nurses to its workforce and Canada will need 60,000 more by 2025. To reach these goals and retain our existing nurses, countries must have clear policies to develop and maintain the health workforce.”
Etienne said countries can improve governance by creating more senior leadership opportunities for nurses and elevating nurses within the government and ministries of health. She said Jamaica and Brazil are already working on new policies.
