Inequity in access to health and racism: epidemiological analysis during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Objective:to analyze the epidemiological data of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and the access to health of black people in Brazil during the pandemic, comparing them with previous years. Method:epidemiological, descriptive, and quantitative study of SARS cases in black patients, reported in the information system on epidemiological surveillance of influenzaof the Ministry of Health, between 2017 and 2020. Results:it was observed that, in 2020, there was an increase in the prevalence of SARS cases in blacks, in addition to a significant increase in lethality when compared to the general population. Furthermore, it was found that mortality was significantly higher in individuals with SARS who required ventilatory support. Conclusion:skin color is a determinant of several social and health vulnerabilities in Brazil and worldwide, having a direct impact on theincreased morbidity and mortality of the black population during the pandemic.