This week, in What’s Happening in Brazil, we delve into the most positive news story we’ve had in a while – coronavirus vaccines will soon become available to the Brazilian population – though only after a terribly long delay. While many countries in the world are well underway with their national inoculation plans, Brazil lagged behind mainly due to politics and political maneuverings. Fortunately, this has all come to an end with two vaccines being approved by the national healthcare watchdog, Anvisa, allowing Brazil to move towards ending the pandemic once and for all.
In pandemic related news, we also investigate the hows and whys behind the decision by the Ford Motor Company, to close all three of its factories in Brazil. The move is expected to create mass unemployment, mainly in the small towns where these factories area located, and where the entire local economy revolves around these manufacturing plants. Experts estimate that 12,000 people may lose their jobs in the coming months, amid the health and economic crisis that is already ravaging the nation.
In our Story of the Week segment, we take a deeper look at the vaccine approval process that culminated in allowing the Chinese made Coronavac, and the British made Astra-Zeneca vaccines to be distributed to the general population in two separate doses. We spoke to experts who shed light on the issue, as well as what lies ahead, now that the National Coronavirus Vaccination Plan is beginning.
In our Culture Talk segment, we see how YouTube is being used as a platform to spread Marxist ideas online. We spoke to sociologist Sabrina Fernandes, who heads the Thesis 11 channel, about how progressives need to contend in the online battle of ideas against the right, and how a small, but powerful movement of online progressives, are fighting for change on the world’s largest video streaming platform.
Finally, as is tradition on our show, we wrap things up by teaching you a delicious local recipe and showcasing some quality Brazilian music. Enjoy the show!
All What's Happening in Brazil episodes are available at Brasil de Fato's YouTube channel, where you'll also find a special English-content playlist.
Partners who wish to include a longer version of the show in their schedule may contact our international team at [email protected] or send a WhatsApp message to +55 11 993 055 156.
For more news about Brazil and our region, visit our website.
Edited by: Ítalo Piva
