Covid-19: Investigation probes Bolsonaro’s role in Brazil’s failed pandemic response

A parliamentary investigation into the actions of President Jair Bolsonaro and his former ministers is under way in Brazil to establish who was responsible for the country’s failed response to the pandemic.

Brazil has recorded more than 414 000 covid-19 deaths—12.3% of the world’s total despite being home to only 2.7% of the global population.

The probe in the country’s senate will attempt to establish who took decisions on issues such as the distribution of medical supplies and vaccines and why. It could lead to the impeachment of Bolsonaro, whom many health experts blame for the country’s public health catastrophe.

Former health minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta made the first high profile testimony to the committee on 5 May when he spoke about the health ministry’s promotion and supply of unproved covid-19 cures. Mandetta was health minister until Bolsonaro sacked …