Coronavirus and indigenous communities

The coronavirus or “corona virus” is a small microorganism new to humans. For this reason, the disease it produces, a respiratory illness similar to the flu, can be more severe than others that occur at different times of the year. As it is new, our bodies are not prepared for it, which is why health authorities have asked us to take precautions in order to avoid as much as possible that many people are affected.

In this sense, recommendations oriented to self-care have been given. Among the most important of these are continuous hand washing, voluntary isolation in case of coming from a place where cases have occurred, and in case of having symptoms, use protective measures such as masks and avoid contact with elderly people, who are at a higher risk of disease.

The information available cannot be disaggregated by indigenous peoples. But if we review the history and background of peoples such as the Nukak, it is suggestive that this population may be slightly more vulnerable than others. Facts such as a lower exposure to other respiratory diseases, the presence of an older population - who play a role as guides and counselors of the people -, and the difficult sanitary conditions, allow us to assume a greater susceptibility that forces us to be alert.

With this in mind, it is important that the indigenous peoples, their ancestral and traditional authorities, take measures, some of which also come from long ago. A “preventive quarantine”, understood as putting a limit to the contact of the visitor that arrives to the territory; an appropriate isolation to people that may come contaminated or with “dirt”, as it is indicated in certain towns; and the reduction of meetings and community or minga activities, could be of benefit to these populations. Likewise, it is necessary to have their own resources, both traditional and intercultural, doing their respective jobs as a way to reduce the sick.

It is a very important moment, where the preventive measures that mark the Law of Origin, the Own or Natural Law, can act together with the western knowledge to protect the population.

By: Pablo Andrés Martínez Silva

Synergies Strategic Alliances for Health and Social Development

CRIHU Health Program