Bishops in Venezuela decry use of COVID-19 vaccines not recognized by WHO

Catholic bishops in Venezuela have criticized the socialist government’s move to use the COVID-19 vaccine not recognized by international health bodies. 

Archbishop José Luis Azuaje Ayala of Maracaibo and president of the bishops' conference of Venezuela (CEV) has asked the government to start a vaccination campaign "with vaccines recognized by the international health authorities, WHO [World Health Organization], PAHO [Pan American Health Organization] and not just an experimental vaccine.” 

Despite warning by regional health authorities and doctors, Venezuela has begun administering the three-dose vaccine Abdala, developed by its socialist ally, Cuba. The shots are administered within a gap of 14 days.

At their virtual plenary assembly, the bishops expressed solidarity with those who are suffering from the pandemic, and those who have lost their loved ones, according to FIDES. 

The bishops also discussed ways to impart pastoral and spiritual assistance during the pandemic. 

Among other topics discussed at the second national pastoral assembly were: the listening process of the Ecclesial Assembly of Latin America and the Caribbean; the Synod on Synodality to be held in Rome in 2022; and restructuring of the permanent secretariat of the Venezuelan bishops.

At the inauguration of the 116th ordinary plenary assembly July 7, Archbishop Azuaje was referring, without naming it, to Abdala, that still did not have the emergency authorization from the WHO and any other international bodies. 

In late June, Venezuela started using the Cuban-made Abdala vaccine under a 12-million-dose contract inked between the two nations.

The bishops assembly, which ended July 9, analyzed effects of the pandemic in the country of 28 million people.

As of July 12, Venezuela has reported 284,942 infections and 3,290 deaths in the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Cuban authorities, Abdala, named after a poem by Cuban independence-era hero José Martí, has an efficacy rate of 92 percent against COVID-19. 

But experts about the vaccine say details are not published in scientific journals, nor it is included on the World Health Organization’s list of vaccines approved for emergency use.

According to health experts, the deal between the two nations is shrouded in mystery.

Cuba has dismissed criticism of its homegrown vaccine. 

The Abdala vaccine, the first created in Latin America, is based on a recombinant protein,  and "can be stored at 2 to 8 degrees and this gives an advantage in the environmental conditions of Latin America.” 

Cuba plans to produce 100 million doses in 2021 to be exported to more than 30 countries.

The WHO has set a 50-percent efficacy threshold for a pandemic vaccine to qualify for a global roll-out. 

However, individual nations can approve jabs for domestic use without a green light from the UN health body.

Since February, Venezuela has received some 3.5 million doses of Russian and Chinese vaccines. 

Healthcare scams related to COVID-19

Venezuela is currently in the second phase of its vaccine rollout. 

However, people are facing a long delay for the second dose.

Doctors and vaccine recipients have criticized the socialist government's vaccination rollout as slow and confusing. 

In the absence of an adequate COVID-19 vaccination plan, criminal networks in Venezuela are active with fake vaccines on the grey market.

Authorities detained five people in June for selling illegal vaccines and in April dismantled a gang selling vaccines via WhatsApp.

Venezuela has seen other healthcare scams related to COVID-19, including the illegal sale of oxygen tanks. 

On July 4, President Nicolas Maduro issued an "ultimatum" to the COVAX vaccine-sharing facility to send doses or return the money Venezuela had already paid. 

In the previous plenary assembly in January, Archbishop Azuaje had encouraged the faithful not to lose hope during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Archbishop Azuaje said that it is necessary to create an economy “with a human face, that puts the human being at the center.”

Venezuela has been marred by violence, political and social uprisings under the Maduro administration.

There is a severe shortage of food and medicines, high unemployment, power outages, and hyperinflation. 

During a meeting with Vatican leaders June 28, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken talked about the crisis-torn Venezuela.

Blinken, in his 40-minute audience with the pope, reiterated US support to democracy in Venezuela and to help the “Venezuelan people rebuild their country." 

In January the Venezuelan bishops insisted that their country needs “a radical change in political leadership. 

Venezuela is, “suffering the dire consequences of an economic model, imposed by a communist-style regime and ideology,” they noted.

The bishops conference held a national day of prayer and reflection February 2 for a peaceful resolution of conflicts in the country.