Lacking Evidence, Brazil Government Links Chloroquine To Lower Contagion

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Despite the absence of evidence, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday, July 9th, that the early use of the drugs, mainly chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, has caused the pandemic to lose steam in some parts of the country. On Thursday alone, Brazil recorded 1,199 more deaths and 42,907 new cases.

In total, there are now 69,254 deaths from the disease and 1,759,103 infections. The data are from a joint survey conducted by the media outlets Estadão, G1, O Globo, Extra, Folha de S. Paulo and UOL with the state Health Secretariats.

“The absolute number (of cases) keeps growing, but the pace has been decreasing. There is also evidence that in some cities and states early drug treatment has been implemented, which contributes to the decline of the pandemic curve,” said Elcio Franco, the Ministry’s Executive Secretary.

The Secretary of Science, Technology, Innovation and Strategic Supplies, Hélio Angotti Neto was more cautious. “Yes, there are indications disclosed on various websites, but we are still unable to state unequivocally that the specific use of chloroquine has reduced the number of serious cases in the country.

There is no scientific study that proves the benefit of chloroquine against Covid-19. The use of the drug has been advocated by President Jair Bolsonaro during the pandemic. Diagnosed with the disease, he says he is taking the drug.

Franco again said that the portfolio’s direction was no longer to “stay home” in case of suspected Covid-19. The advice is to seek medical attention. According to him, the SUS (National Health System) is prepared to meet the demand.

The Ministry also said only 12 percent of philanthropic and charity hospitals have received their share of the R$2 billion released by the federal government through a law passed in late March. According to Franco, states and municipalities should decentralize the funds passed on by the federal government.

Concerning the supply of sedatives – currently running low in hospitals, according to reports from health secretariats – the Ministry said it requisitioned stocks from local manufacturers and opened a public bid proceeding for purchase.

Source: O Estado de S. Paulo