Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Rights of Health Care Workers in the Americas Under Threat VOA News Governments in the Americas are failing to protect vital health care workers, according to a report by Amnesty Internationalreleased Tuesday. The report focuses on the rights of health care professionals in both North and South America, anditis based upon 21 in-depth interviews, an Amnesty International press released stated. "'¦saying thank you is not enough. Governments must take action to ensure their basic rights and safety are never put at such horrendous risk again," said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International. Titled "The Cost of Curing: Health workers' rights in the Americas during COVID-19 and beyond," the report discusses topics such as compensation, access to personal protective equipment and reprisals for whistleblowers. "The right to access information and the right to speak up freely [are] both rights recognized under international human rights law and crucial elements of protecting the right to health," the report states. Several American countries have repressed the freedom of expression relating to the coronavirus outbreak. Venezuela, for example, has jailed journalists for speaking out against the nation's practice of underreporting. Similarly, El Salvador's presidentNayibBukelevetoed legislation designed to increase the safety of health care workers,andheaccused human rights organizations ofworking"to make sure more people die." In the United States, those interviewed expressed fear of losing their jobs if they spoke out,andthey also mentioned alack of adequate access to equipment. According to the study,more thanhalf of those who have tested positive for COVID-19 reside in the Americas but suffer disproportionate access to medical care. .