The Zika outbreak could cost the Caribbean and Latin America US$7-18 billion over 2015–2017 alone, a new report has found.
And while larger economies such as Brazil could bear the greatest “absolute” burden, the most severe impacts are likely be felt in the poorest countries such as Haiti.
That is the conclusion of the report, ‘Socio-economic Impact Assessment of Zika Virus in Latin America and the Caribbean’, conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and prepared in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Particular focus was placed on Brazil, Colombia and Suriname, countries that first reported the outbreak in October-November 2015, and takes into account the impact the outbreak has on public health and the tangible effect on gross domestic product.
