COVID-19 RESPONSE Amazon Region

On April 17, 2020, the first case of COVID-19 was reported in the Amazon in Colombian territory. A month later we already had more than 1,100 confirmed cases, 35 confirmed deaths, another 30 pending. The numbers are currently increasing rapidly every day. With the increase in Covid-19 cases, the Amazon has become the state of the country with the highest number of cases per capita. Although the numbers are few compared to other countries such as Italy, Spain or even the United States, the situation is extremely concerning for several reasons: Leticia, capital of the state of the Amazon in Colombia, serves as the center of all cities, towns and communities for the medical care of this entire jungle. We have a main hospital in very poor condition, a private clinic and some 10 health posts that have little or nothing prepared to serve in remote areas. We only have a medical staff of 300 people to cover the needs of more than 80,000 inhabitants.