A study by the FGV´s Department of Public Policy Analysis (FGV DAPP) about the uneven distribution of respirators across Brazil has identified that 43.3% of Brazilians live in municipalities that are vulnerable in terms of infrastructure to treat COVID-19. This finding was based on data taken from the National Registry of Health Establishments (CNES).

As of February 2020, Brazil had 65,411 ventilators in the public and private sector health systems, representing a ratio of 31 ventilators for every 100,000 inhabitants. Even considering the fact that many municipalities are small and they rely on infrastructure in nearby cities, one in every four people live in wider regions that feature this vulnerability.

The study also concluded that the areas of greatest vulnerability in terms of intensive care beds and respirators also tend to have fewer doctors and physiotherapists for every 100,000 inhabitants. This is the case in all states in Brazil’s North and Northeast regions.

The complete study can be accessed here.