The debate over chloroquine reinforces polarization

BRAZIL POLITICS - Report 20 May 2020 by Murillo de Aragão and Cristiano Noronha

The Ministry of Health today announced a protocol that allows for the use of chloroquine for mild cases of COVID-19 in the Unified Health System (SUS). Until then, the protocol established the prescription of the drug only for more severe cases.

This issue was one of the reasons that led to the resignation of two health ministers – Luiz Henrique Mandetta and Nelson Teich – in less than a month. An advocate for the adoption of chloroquine, President Jair Bolsonaro pressured both Mandetta and Teich to change the protocol of the Ministry of Health. However, as there is still no scientific proof of its effectiveness the two former ministers refused to endorse the prescription of chloroquine for mild cases of COVID-19.

In practice, the change will strengthen the “war of narratives” amid the increase in the number of people infected and killed by coronavirus in the country.

Although the chloroquine debate is controversial and provides arguments for the Bolsonarista supporters to defend the president, the medical community will increase its criticism against Jair Bolsonaro. The criticism, although able to produce wear on the presidential image, can also contribute to polarization and to reinforcing Bolsonaro’s “anti-establishment” position, which pleases his more radical supporters.

The change in the chloroquine protocol also points to an important change in the attitude of the Ministry of Health. Even though General Eduardo Pazuello is acting as interim minister, the decision shows that there will be total alignment with the position of President Jair Bolsonaro.

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