Abstract
The impact of the pandemic has put the world on alert not only because of the health crisis, but also because of the economic and political impacts it unleashed. This essay reflects on disadvantaged and marginalized populations, more exposed to covid-19 due to the conditions in which they survive, with reduced access to basic sanitation and, therefore, less likely to adopt the recommended preventive measures. Worldwide, the contingency plan against Sars-CoV-2 required governments to take measures to protect human life and seek health equity. The Brazilian State, however, shirked from prior preparation to face the pandemic and did not establish coordinated strategies. Given that justice and equity in health strengthen cohesion in the search for safeguarding lives, ethics in care should include the implementation of public policies that correct distortions.
Bioethics; Health vulnerability; Socioeconomic factors; Health equity; Coronavirus infections