The COVID-19 pandemic, declared by the WHO in 2020, has had a significant global impact, with over 612 million confirmed cases and 6.5 million deaths by September 26, 2020. While initially affecting adults, children and adolescents are now experiencing a greater proportion of cases and indirect effects like school closures. The pandemic also caused disruptions to healthcare services, economic instability, and exacerbated existing inequalities. Latin America and the Caribbean have been particularly hard-hit, accounting for 25% of global SARS-CoV-2 infections. This variability stems from differences in healthcare infrastructure, political leadership, poverty, inequality, individual responses, and vaccine access. This review analyzes the epidemiology of COVID-19 in Latin America, the initial public health measures and vaccination strategies, and provides a critical appraisal with lessons learned and future considerations. The review is based on existing literature and does not include any new studies.

The review extensively cites previous studies on COVID-19's impact in Latin America. It draws on data from various sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), national ministries of health, and peer-reviewed publications. The literature reviewed covers aspects of epidemiology, public health interventions, vaccination campaigns, genomic surveillance, and the social and economic consequences of the pandemic in the region.

This review article is a synthesis of existing research on COVID-19 in Latin America. The authors conducted a comprehensive literature review of published studies, reports, and data from various organizations such as WHO and PAHO. They analyzed data on infection and case-fatality rates, circulating variants, risk factors, public health measures, vaccination rates, and the impact of the pandemic on various aspects of public health and social services. The selection criteria for the included studies were not explicitly detailed in the paper. No new data collection or analysis was undertaken for this review.

The first COVID-19 case in Latin America was confirmed in Brazil on February 26, 2020. Case fatality rates varied widely across the region, ranging from 0.8% in Cuba to 6.2% in Peru. While children represented a low percentage of cases, hospitalizations and deaths were reported in this population. The pandemic caused significant strain on healthcare systems, particularly during the second wave in 2021, which was exacerbated by factors such as limited testing, socioeconomic disparities, and informal economies. The Omicron variant caused a surge in cases in late 2021 and early 2022. Several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoC) or interest (VoI) were first identified in Latin America, including Gamma, Lambda, and Mu. Risk factors for severe outcomes included comorbidities like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and socioeconomic status. Seroprevalence studies showed varying levels of population immunity after infection. Initial public health responses included mask mandates, lockdowns, and expansion of healthcare capacity. Vaccination rollout varied considerably across countries, with several challenges, including vaccine procurement and distribution. Clinical trials and observational studies provided data on the efficacy and effectiveness of various COVID-19 vaccines. Local vaccine production initiatives aimed to alleviate shortages. The pandemic had collateral effects on routine vaccinations, cancer treatment, and education.

The review highlights the significant heterogeneity in COVID-19's impact and response across Latin America. Differences in healthcare infrastructure, economic conditions, and government policies contributed to varying epidemiological patterns and outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of strong leadership, robust testing and healthcare systems, and equitable vaccine access for effective pandemic response. The emergence of new variants and the need for continued genomic surveillance are also emphasized. The collateral effects on other health services highlight the need for integrated public health strategies. The discussion emphasizes the success and limitations of public health interventions, including challenges in surveillance, contact tracing, and vaccine equity.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented an enormous challenge to public health in Latin America. Recovery will be protracted, with long-term consequences still emerging. The region's efforts in local vaccine production, alongside varied public health interventions, are crucial in managing the pandemic and building preparedness for future challenges. The paper concludes that a continued focus on vaccination, surveillance, and strengthening public health infrastructure is essential for effectively addressing current and future health crises.

The review is limited to existing published data and does not represent original research. The quality and availability of data vary across Latin American countries, which might influence the interpretation of the findings. The review's scope is broad, and a deeper, more nuanced analysis of specific countries or sub-regions might be necessary for a more complete understanding.