Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

The World Health Organization (www.who.int) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) have published important information regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).  COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2.  WHO first learned of this new virus on 31 December 2019, following a report of a cluster of cases of ‘viral pneumonia’ in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China.

Information on vaccines
The world is in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic. As WHO and partners work together on the response — tracking the pandemic, advising on critical interventions, distributing vital medical supplies to those in need— they are racing to develop and deploy safe and effective vaccines.

Vaccines save millions of lives each year. Vaccines work by training and preparing the body’s natural defenses – the immune system – to recognize and fight off the viruses and bacteria they target. After vaccination, if the body is later exposed to those disease-causing germs, the body is immediately ready to destroy them, preventing illness.

There are several safe and effective vaccines that prevent people from getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19. This is one part of managing COVID-19, in addition to the main preventive measures of staying at least 1 meter away from others, covering a cough or sneeze in your elbow, frequently cleaning your hands, wearing a mask and avoiding poorly ventilated rooms or opening a window.

As of 3 June 2021, WHO has evaluated that the following vaccines against COVID-19 have met the necessary criteria for safety and efficacy:

• AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine
• Johnson and Johnson
• Moderna
• Pfizer/BionTech
• Sinopharm
• Sinovac

Read the Q&A on the Emergency Use Listing process to find out more about how WHO assesses the quality, safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.

Stay informed:  Protect yourself: advice for the public

People Living with NCDs – Together we heal, together we give.

The InterAmerican Heart Foundation works with local, grassroots organizations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to promote policies that help and protect people, like Bruno Helman,  against the debilitating effects of non-communicable chronic diseases.

Bruno Helman

“I am lucky that I am able to practice social distancing while having a job.  Unfortunately, that’s not the reality for many. We hear stories of people living with diabetes who literally have to beg for money at signal lights, that have developed complications such as neuropathy which can lead to amputation.

The COVID 19 crisis has increased the social and economic divide we face in Latin America. Some are able to stay at home knowing that, if needed, they will be able to receive health care through their private health plans. However, there are many, many more who don’t have that privilege, are forced to expose themselves and their families, in order to bring food home.

As someone living with diabetes and depression, it has been hard not being able to practice my daily physical activity, which is essential in helping me control my blood sugar levels and keep my mind healthy.  I’m just trying to practice the “one day at time” lifestyle, keeping positive and optimistic when possible, and accepting my sadness when needed.”