Latin America—the next coronavirus hotspot?

Latin America—the next coronavirus hotspot?

The region's financial and political problems could make this health crisis even worse 

Read the full story at The Hill

The past few years have been difficult for Latin America, with stagnant economic growth, rising citizen dissatisfaction and ineffective governance. In more recent days, as the threat of COVID-19 infections move around the globe, there is growing alarm that Latin America’s existing troubles could combine to produce an untenable health and political catastrophe in the region. With an estimated 55 percent of Latin America’s population working in the informal sector, the economic and social security consequences could also be dire.

Ultimately—much like elsewhere around the world—Latin America’s ability to mitigate this pandemic will come down to the quality of its leadership, the preparedness and effectiveness of its healthcare system and the stability of its population, all of which are variable throughout the region. But there are six countries that are of particular concern at the moment. Pressure and assistance from the international community might soon be warranted.

Read the full story at The Hill