IVIC researcher Gioconda Cunto argues that the Chinese government could have simplified the severity of Covid-19 and that the concealment of figures and misrepresentation of problems are common in autocratic regimes. In Venezuela, this is manifested in the increased prevalence of diseases that used to be under control and the inability of the executive power to contain the epidemic.

The coronavirus finally arrived in Venezuela…

–Yes, it was delusional to think that we would get rid of it.

Is the country ready for this contingency?

–With such a deteriorated health system, unable to contain not even endemics like malaria and tuberculosis, it is naive to believe the country is equipped to face this pandemic.

Are there geopolitical obstacles to contain it?

–The contagion and death figures for Covid-19 in Italy suggest that the initial data from the Chinese government in late December 2019 was minimized in its gravity. Hiding the figures and twisting its causes are specialties of those autocratic regimes. Even to contain a virus you have to live in democracy and freedom so that our right to health and information are guaranteed.

What obstacles does the Venezuelan health system face amid the pandemic?

–Our health system experienced a 70 years regression to mid-twentieth century levels. The growing numbers for tuberculosis or malaria, the recurrence of diseases already controlled, the suspension of vaccination programs, and the dismantling of hospitals are all signs of it.

What would be the death risks in Venezuela?

–For the good of all, I hope the figures remain low or null. The elderly and malnourished, of whom we have many, are the most vulnerable.

To what extent can we control the spread of the disease?

–To the extent that the authorities activate the protocols designed for the occasion by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), and the population complies with standards of prevention provided by the national, regional, and local authorities. In Los Salias, Miranda, we are working on it. Citizens and authorities are joining efforts. The virus does not know about ideologies or geopolitical borders.

Can past epidemics be compared with the coronavirus?

“The Decameron”, a famous fourteenth-century book by Giovanni Boccaccio, tells the story of a group of Florentines incarcerated in the outskirts of Florence in their attempt to run away from the bubonic plague which killed a third of the European population. Another was the 1918-1920 Spanish flu that was several times deadlier than the previous world war. In recent times, the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) or the swine flu (AH1N1) in 2009 led to epidemics that were successfully controlled with measures from health authorities worldwide.

Venezuelan contribution

What could the national scientific community do?

–It is already contributing, long before the regime created a commission for the prevention and control of Covid-19 headed, by the way, by a nomenclature figure without preparation or instruction in medical and public health. Our community of biomedical scientists has participated through forums, conferences, gatherings, and informative articles, based on the information emanating from WHO and PAHO.

On an international level, do you know of any solution or short-term vaccine?

–There are no medications or preventive vaccines. Many scientists and researches in prestigious laboratories are feverishly dedicated to finding them.

What about the Venezuelan state?

-As far as I know, it drafted the National Plan for the Prevention and Containment of Coronavirus (Covid-19), which I hope to become a reality, and announced several measures: suspension of the few flights still arriving from Europe and Colombia, and restrictions on public places. As usual, the State keeps insisting on the fantasy that this virus was created by American scientists to wage biological war against China.

How many people affected worldwide can you project?

–As of March 14, more than 136,000 people are infected, the majority in China followed by Italy and South Korea. Almost 5 thousand deceased. The fatality rate is 3.6%. More than 100 countries have reported the virus. 

What do you recommend to contain it as much as possible?

–At the national level, we need to control the arrival of infected people and keep a first-class hospital infrastructure, which we lack. On a personal level, we need to prepare with simple practices, including avoiding physical contact, hugs, and kisses. Frequently washing your hands up to the elbow with soap and water for 20 seconds, more or less what it takes to sing the “happy birthday” in its short version. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth with the front of the elbow. Avoid crowds. If you experience fever and dry cough, stay home for 14 days, quarantined. If it worsens or the discomfort persists for more than two days, contact a health service. Wear a protective mask to avoid infecting others. Strictly follow medical directions.

Could 85% of the impoverished Venezuelan population have access to medicines?

-As for other viral conditions, there are no medications or vaccines for Covid-19 available to anyone, whether wealthy or needy. The only thing that counts is the grannies’ old recipe: rest, hot lemonades, plenty of hydration, and soup. Only in case of respiratory problems or other complications, go to a health center to be treated by a doctor.

For believers, entrust yourself to God through our fellow José Gregorio Hernández, who will be very eager to increase his miraculous curriculum to reinforce his case before the Vatican authorities, so severe with our Venerable.

PROFILE

Gioconda Cunto de San Blas was born in Caracas on December 14, 1943. She has a degree in Chemistry (UCV, 1967), Ph.D. in Biochemistry (Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK), and she is an Emeritus Researcher at the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research (IVIC).

She was president of the Academy of Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences. She devotes much of her research to finding new antifungal antibiotics and new molecular diagnostic probes. She has published over 140 papers in international journals, including three books on various aspects of the molecular biology of pathogenic fungi, published by the Academic Caister Press, Wymondham, Norfolk, UK.

She has been a teacher in the IVIC, UCV, USB and Unefm postgraduate courses. Between January 2011 and October 2017, she was the director of Science and Technology for the Miranda state government. She publishes “Al compás de la Ciencia”, a column in Tal Cual Digital. She has written two books on people with special needs.