Social dynamics have been disrupted worldwide by the COVID-19 pandemic. The environments where people interact have been reshaped together with their economic and political contexts. After a long period of confinement, the resulting economic decline has widened the gaps of social inequality among the population groups living in the most vulnerable conditions, particularly the Indigenous peoples. The scarcity of data on the health conditions of indigenous groups has hindered an adequate understanding of the effects of the pandemic. The anthropological perspective, enriched by the specific contributions of medical, political and economic anthropology, allows a deeper understanding of vulnerability beyond social policy and its effects on the least favoured population groups.
The discussion on the vulnerable conditions of Indigenous peoples will be enhanced with current reflections on new risks and greater exposure to COVID-19, intertwined with what is known about their historical adversities.
In fact, Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3 or Global Goal 3), related to "Good Health and Well-being", is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations in 2015 to ensure a healthy life and promote well-being for all at all ages. Therefore, the question is about how health policies promoted care and protection of vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic and how these populations responded to this challenging situation.
Those with expertise in the field are invited to provide information to compare different perspectives and initiatives developed in Indigenous contexts or with Indigenous populations. This panel is intended to be a space of reflection to identify not only the gaps but also the successful experiences and good practices developed in the face of COVID-19. We expect these learnings will guide future action on how to support and strengthen Indigenous peoples to achieve better health conditions.
