Diagnostic Tests, Vaccination and SUS: Analysis of Brazilian Measures to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Mass testing and vaccination are essential for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to evaluate the initial strategies adopted by Brazil to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Information collected from public and government databases on the approvals and acquisition of diagnostic tests and the immunization process in several countries was analyzed. It was observed that 73% of the tests approved by Anvisa were of the rapid type, of which 92.5% were for antibody detection. However, immunization against COVID-19 started late in Brazil, with 75% of the population vaccinated faster than in the United States, United Kingdom, and Russia. Negligence in the scope of public health policies, combined with reduced testing and the troubled start of vaccination, may have contributed to the high number of cases and deaths presented at the beginning of the pandemic.