Pan American Health Organisation – PAHO revealing the data notes that around 55 percent of the population in the Latin Americas and Caribbean region is fully immunised against the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The data was shared by the Director of PAHO, Dr Carissa Etienne, during her address on the COVID-19 digital media briefing on Wednesday. 

While the organisation noted that the numbers are possibly to hike as additional doses that is around 1.6 million, are being donated to the countries in both the regions. 

The Director stated, “This number (55 per cent) is a testament to the efforts of member countries that have been working hard to secure and deliver the doses they need to protect their populations“. 

Following the statement, she cited that still, more than 20 countries in the region are yet to reach the 40 percent target of inoculation before the end of the year, set by the World Health Organisation – WHO. 

PAHO Director noted that the study shows that as many as six countries might not be able to cover the vaccination coverage rate set by WHO; while highlighting the efforts of the regional organisation, she added, “PAHO is doing everything that it can to accelerate vaccinations in our region”. 

The organisation has procured deals with the AstraZeneca, Sinovac, and Sinopharm and soon would be obtaining mRNA vaccine, adding that, “We are at present reviewing orders for next year, and it is still not too late for countries to request additional doses”. 

“In the short term, we are racing to get people protected from this contagious virus. But COVID-19 would be required a long-term strategy, especially as we learn more about the duration of protection, the impact of the vaccine on different age groups, and the behaviour of new variants,” the Director further cited. 

She added that PAHO’s vision to make sure that COVID-19 vaccines are being provided to the states in the region.