News of health ministry

'Ultra-processed' foods law comes into force in Argentina

22-08-2022 12:54 A law to label foods as ultra-processed came into force in Argentina on Saturday, although it initially only covers a limited range of products and will not apply to all until the end of 2023.

World Blood Donor Day

With voluntary blood donors in short supply, experts call for ‘cultural change’

14-06-2022 16:38 On World Blood Donor Day, a look into blood donations in Buenos Aires.

by Mariel Priven

HEALTH

Authorities confirm first case of monkeypox in Argentina

27-05-2022 10:28 Patient is a 40-year-old male who had returned to the country from Spain. The individual has symptoms compatible with the disease, including fever and blisters on some parts of his body.

RARE DISEASE

Health Ministry probing first suspected case of monkeypox in Argentina

23-05-2022 12:26 Patient treated in Buenos Aires returned from Spain a week ago and has symptoms compatible with rare disease, including “pustules on different parts of the body and fever," according to officials.

Coronavirus Pandemic

Argentina enjoys first day without a Covid death since start of pandemic

18-04-2022 17:03 Sunday's report from the Health Ministry reported 428 new infections over the last 24 hours, but no deaths – for the first time since March 2020.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

70% now fully vaccinated in Argentina, a year after the first shot was given

28-12-2021 22:27 Wednesday, December 29, marks the first anniversary of the application of the first Covid-19 vaccine on national soil. A year on, with the Delta and Omicron variants surging in Argentina, the government has now taken delivery of more than 100 million doses.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Covid infections soar to 34,000 as third wave hits Argentina

28-12-2021 21:06 Argentina on Tuesday registered 33,902 new cases of Covid-19, with infections now nearing record numbers in what experts have dubbed the country’s “third wave.”

Coronavirus vaccines

Sinopharm delivery takes Argentina to 55 million vaccines against Covid-19

04-09-2021 10:12 According to government data, 46.3% of citizens aged over 18 have now completed their immunisation programme against Covid-19.

by James Grainger

SEX EDUCATION SPENDING

Health Ministry defends purchase of 10,000 wooden phalluses

19-07-2021 06:00 Health Ministry's approval of purchase of 10,000 polished wooden phalluses, condom dispensers and other items raises attention online. Items, estimated to cost more than 13 million pesos, will be used for sex education purposes.

Coronavirus pandemic

Argentina takes delivery of 1.65 million Covid-19 vaccines

24-05-2021 22:18 Government says more than 1.65 million vaccine doses have arrived over the past two days, including just over one million AstraZeneca shots.

INTERVIEW / PERIODISMO PURO

Health Minister Carla Vizzotti: 'What’s happening is a catastrophe'

01-05-2021 00:07 In a week of record deaths from Covid-19, the minister responsible for Argentina’s health system responds: Why there was no shutdown for Easter; Why classrooms should be shut now; What happened to the vaccine orders; What of lab links and relationships with Ginés González García and Hugo Sigman; The role of the media. A feature-length interview with Health Minister Carla Vizzotti.

by Jorge Fontevecchia

Education row

Casa Rosada to challenge City court's ruling over in-person classes

19-04-2021 10:58 President Alberto Fernández has ordered officials in his administration to oppose the Buenos Aires City government’s move to continue with in-person classes, opening up a legal battle in the courts.

COVID-19 VACCINATION

Vaccination plan advances but with difficulties, as second wave nears

03-04-2021 07:57 Confirmed cases now total 2.37 million, with more than 56,000 fatalities. To date, more than four million vaccines have been given.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Argentina registers highest daily Covid caseload in two months

27-03-2021 08:26 Almost 13,000 new cases confirmed by authorities, sparking speculation over whether the long-awaited ‘second wave’ has now reached the country.

Global pandemic

Brazil's 24-hour Covid deaths surpass 3,000 for first time

24-03-2021 12:38 Brazil's daily Covid-19 death toll soared past 3,000 for the first time Tuesday as the country struggled to contain a surge of cases that has pushed many hospitals to breaking point.

Coronavirus pandemic

A year on from first Covid-19 case, virus crisis far from over

03-03-2021 15:58 On 3 March 2020, the first case of Covid-19 was detected in Argentina. One year on, more than 2.11 million have been infected and 52,000 people have lost their lives.

VIP VACCINE SCANDAL

Thousands take to streets to protest 'VIP vaccinations' scandal

28-02-2021 08:59 Anti-government demonstrators rally in cities across the country in protest at the 'VIP vaccines' scandal; President Fernández condemns small group of protesters who attach mock body bags to the gates of the Casa Rosada.

VIP VACCINE SCANDAL

Government struggles to contain ‘VIP vaccine’ scandal

27-02-2021 07:06 Opposition leaders pile on pressure over “vaccinations of privilege,” accusing ruling Peronist coalition of seeking to “vaccinate a Kirchnerite oligarchy.”

'VIP vaccination' scandal

President fights back as 'VIP vaccine' scandal grows

23-02-2021 14:09 Peronist leader says that while he rejects the “irregular” vaccinations, it had already cost the resignation of his health minister Ginés González García and did not amount to a crime.

VIP VACCINE SCANDAL

Vizzotti sworn in as health minister amid 'VIP vaccine' scandal

21-02-2021 08:40 Carla Vizzotti sworn in as Argentina's new health minister, following the resignation of her predecessor Ginés González García.

COVID-19 VACCINES

Buenos Aires Province begins vaccinating those aged 70+

18-02-2021 13:58 Provincial government begins to give first shots of Sputnik V vaccine to citizens aged over 70, using schools and other sites as temporary vaccination centres.

Coronavirus Pandemic

Authorities crack down on illegal parties amid struggle against Covid-19

27-01-2021 10:24 With summer in full swing, officials have ramped up their efforts to stop illegal parties across Buenos Aires Province, breaking up two large gatherings over the weekend.

AND THAT REMINDS ME...

Grain means pain, corn meets scorn

16-01-2021 09:13 Maize in a maze would be as good a way as any of describing the government’s slapdash suspension of corn exports early in this new year.

by Michael Soltys

GLOBAL PANDEMIC

Global Covid-19 death toll passes two million

16-01-2021 07:37 The global death toll from Covid-19 passed two million on Friday, with the WHO urging mass vaccinations.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Officials preach ‘prevention and care’ as fatalities surpass 45,000

16-01-2021 07:15 More than 200,000 citizens now vaccinated against Covid-19, says Health Ministry; Second flight carrying doses of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine due to arrive in Buenos Aires today.