COVID-19 within Indigenous Communities of the Peruvian Amazon: An Ucayali Case Study

Keywords: COVID-19, Indigenous Peoples, Amazonia, Peru, Ucayali
Session Type: Virtual Guided Poster Abstract
Day: Saturday
Session Start / End Time: 2/26/2022 05:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/26/2022 06:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 63

Abstract

Amazonia contains 385 Indigenous groups whose territories cover 27% of the region. Their livelihoods are continually threatened by global dynamics such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the impact of the coronavirus in Ucayali, a region of the Peruvian Amazon inhabited by 20 Indigenous groups, including some peoples in voluntary isolation. Data from the Peruvian Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Health were used to assess the status of the pandemic among indigenous groups in Ucayali. The 2017 Peruvian census was also used to provide demographic context for Indigenous communities in the area. Generally, it was found that the Indigenous population of Ucayali has been considerably impacted by COVID-19, and yet, statistics do not fully represent the impact of COVID-19. The effects of the pandemic for Indigenous peoples are also exacerbated by their deficient access to medical services and resources, particularly due to the remoteness of communities. However, many indigenous communities continue to use traditional medicine, at times in addition to modern medicine. The threat to at-risk subsets of Indigenous populations, such as elders, has particularly devastating implications, including the loss of culture, leadership, and territory. Nevertheless, COVID-19 data for Ucayali Indigenous peoples were inconsistent, likely undercounted, and incomplete. These circumstances may limit advocacy as well as effective and culturally appropriate medical intervention for Indigenous communities.