Key Takeaways from UNAM’s Bioethics Seminar
Despite the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and technological advancements in recent years, including vaccine development, experts warn that we are not fully prepared to face a similar health emergency. This was highlighted during the UNAM’s Permanent Seminar on Bioethics.
Ivette Buendía Roldán: The Importance of Vaccination
Dr. Ivette Buendía Roldán, a medical researcher at the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, emphasized that while some preventive measures like mask-wearing and handwashing have been adopted, more decisive actions are needed. She specifically pointed out that vaccination remains a sensitive topic, as unvaccinated individuals requiring hospitalization for COVID-19 lack protection against the virus.
- Call to Action: Dr. Buendía Roldán urged people not to fear vaccines, as they prevent severe consequences of diseases. She stressed the importance of protecting children and older adults, as well as keeping vaccination records up-to-date, including influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.
- Key Message: “Vaccinating is a way to protect ourselves and those we love.”
Andrea Terán: Addressing Health Inequities and Strengthening Public Health Systems
Andrea Terán, a member of Mexico’s National Bioethics Commission, agreed with Dr. Buendía Roldán and highlighted the interconnectedness of individual care and public health. She pointed out that clinical decisions, such as resource allocation or confinement measures, directly impact collective well-being.
- Public Health Focus: Terán emphasized the need to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, as issues like underreporting and delays in case notifications were identified during the health crisis.
- Inequity as a Structural Comorbidity: She described inequality as a “structural comorbidity,” as individuals living in overcrowded conditions or engaged in informal employment struggled to comply with confinement measures, leading to significant differences in pandemic impacts across various socioeconomic groups.
- Vaccine Challenges: Terán noted that vaccination has become not only a technical act but also a political and emotional process, influenced by misinformation (infodemic) and anti-vaccination narratives. Logistical challenges, such as cold chain storage for vaccine doses and the need for rapid and equitable coverage, were also mentioned.
- Health System Strengthening: Terán concluded that health systems need more investment, robust protocols, trained personnel, and research tools to prevent future crises.
In summary, experts from the UNAM’s Bioethics Seminar stress that we must prioritize public health, scientific investment, and intersectoral preparedness to avoid being caught off guard by future pandemics.
