Regional Highlights

• The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Latin America and the Caribbean in a context of low growth, marked inequality and vulnerability, growing poverty and extreme poverty, weakening of social cohesion and increasing expressions of social discontent. 
• COVID-19 cases continue to increase in Latin America and are currently at or near the highest levels observed since the start of the pandemic in all countries. 
• Most countries in the region have weak and fragmented health systems, which do not guarantee the universal access needed to address the COVID-19 crisis. 
• The impact on the health of personnel on the frontlines, which often lack adequate personal protection equipment (PPE), remains high. 
• The crisis is having a considerable impact on women and their access to healthcare, particularly to sexual and reproductive health services. Lockdown measures enforced in countries have also led to a sharp increase in gender-based violence. 
• Contraceptives are expected to suffer shortages or stock-outs by the end of this year. 
• The pandemic is showing increased incidence among vulnerable populations, particularly indigenous people, afro-descendants, prisoners, migrants, and members of the LGBTI community. 
• Urgent funding is needed to meet rising needs.