His remarks came as a response to questions by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro during the summit. The two talked about COVID-19 lockdowns, vaccines and vaccine passports.
The Brazilian leader asked if the global health body has an official stance on vaccine passports. In response, Tedros said the WHO does not recommend their use due to “low vaccine access.” The WHO head pointed out that unvaccinated people could become victims of discrimination once vaccine passports are adopted.
Bolsonaro told Tedros that many Brazilians who got their second vaccine dose caught the disease. But Tedros insisted that while the vaccine does not prevent COVID-19, it does prevent serious illness and death.
However, the Brazilian president remarked that “many who got the second [vaccine] dose are dying” in his country. Bolsonaro also lamented his inability to stop mandatory COVID-19 injections for children. He added that his “hands are tied” on the matter and “the lives of children are at stake.” Tedros said the WHO does not support COVID-19 vaccinations for children.
The Brazilian leader likewise questioned the economic effects of lockdowns and other COVID-19 restrictions. “All over the world, there are people who need to work to feed themselves,” Bolsonaro noted, adding that “the economy will collapse” if lockdowns continue.
Tedros said there is no need for Brazil to impose a lockdown due to high vaccination rates. Lockdowns would not be needed a long as Brazil continues recommending the use of face masks and hand washing, he added....<<<Read More>>>...
