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Real-World Evidence: The Case of Peru
Causality between Ivermectin and COVID-19 Infection Fatality Rate
October 2020 / Juan Chamie
Introduction
In Peru, the widespread use of Ivermectin as a frontline treatment for COVID-19 has provoked a
great deal of controversy. This South American country has been a pivotal point of reference
regarding the use of Ivermectin, a repurposed, antiparasitic medication. The Peruvian
government approved the use of Ivermectin, by decree, on May 8, 2020. The new Minister of
Health, Pilar Mazzetti, ratified the dispensing of Ivermectin, despite receiving numerous
requests to suspend it in September, 2020. These measures have aroused criticism among the
scientific community. They believe RCTs (Randomized Clinical Trials) are necessary to prove
it’s effectiveness against COVID-19 before distribution, overlooking the serious death toll in
Peru, one of the world’s highest from COVID-19.
It is important to verify the effect of Ivermectin interventions on the variations in mortality rate
and the associated viral lethality. If significant, another assessment is needed to determine if a
decrease in the number of new cases is due to a younger infected population, a substantial
reduction in the most vulnerable people, or other factors that could explain the variations.
Methodology
This study evaluated the impact of ivermectin interventions on the excess deaths and the case
fatality rate (CFR). It assessed the impact of large distributions of ivermectin, reported by
regional authorities, on the variation in death toll associated with COVID-19 in the population
over 60 years of age.
The number of deaths associated with COVID-19 were calculated by comparing the numbers to
the median number of deaths in the same period for the 3 years prior to COVID-19.
In addition to focusing the assessment on the most vulnerable group, other factors that create
variations in mortality were analyzed, such as the number of positive cases in the same age
group and the reduction in the population group's size due to the deaths.
This study verified the ivermectin intervention statistics in the Situation Room database, official
communications, and press releases that confirmed the drug's effective delivery and actions
related to its distribution. It obtained information regarding the mortality and fatality in the
selected age group from the registry of the National Computer System of Deaths (SINADEF),
and the regional population, by age groups, from the National Institute of Statistics and
Informatics.
Conclusion
In these eight Peruvian State analyses, Ivermectin distributions preceded sound reductions in
excess deaths and case fatality rate (CFR). The variation in the number of detected cases nor
the vulnerable population decrease can explain this reduction. Other possible explanations,
such as cross-immunity with dengue, or mere causality, have been discarded due to their lack
of consistency in this study.
Treatment with ivermectin is the most reasonable explanation for the decrease in number of
deaths and fatality rate in Peru. Its implementation in public policies is a highly effective
measure to reduce the excess deaths and IFR of COVID-19.
Case 1: State of Loreto
Population: 1,027,559 ; Population over 60 years: 84,137
Intervention with ivermectin.
On May 24, the distribution of ivermectin by the Ministry of Health (MINSA) reached 28,545
doses by the end of June, 2020. In July MINSA sent 22,000, in August 18,000, and in September
68,217. MINSA sent a total of 136,762 doses: 0.13 doses per person in the state.
On May 11, 2020, Veterinarian Juan Huamanchumo made his first donation of 3,000 doses of
Ivermectin, donating an additional 3,000 doses on May 20. This Ivermectin was received and
distributed among the population through the Loreto Medical College.
On May 12, 2020, a group of volunteers, ‘Loreto Solidario’ began a free campaign to supply
doses of Ivermectin to the entire population of Loreto. By June 18, 2020 the group led by
Doctor Juan de Mihael vaccinated more than 15,000 adults with Ivermectin.
On May 11, 2020 the director of the Loreto hospital reported a decrease in the number of
hospitalizations for COVID. By the end of June, the Regional Health Director closed the Hospital
Centre created for the pandemic, due to a lack of patients.
Results in the population older than 60 years
Note, a decrease in deaths from the second week of May. The decrease in fatalities continued
until mid-July, and have not increased. Since the beginning of July, the daily number of deaths,
in the state of Loreto, is similar to the values presented before the pandemic.
The sharp decrease of deaths happened when only 0.69% of the population in this group had
died. The aggregate percentage of deaths from March to September is 1.62%
The case fatality rate was above 40% in April and May. It decreased to 28% in June, and since
July has remained below 4%.
Detected COVID-19 positive cases have remained stable between 400 and 500 cases per
month, with the exception of August where they increased slightly, reaching 682.
Unexpectedly, the number of excess deaths went from 724 in May to 62 in July, a decrease of
91% in two months. These relative values of deaths went from 0.86% to 0.07%
The decrease in excess deaths from the second week of May forward coincides with the
massive ivermectin interventions. There was no previous decrease in the cases to explain the
drop in mortality, nor had there been a significant reduction in the vulnerable population. It had
only been reduced by 0.69%.
The sharp decrease in case fatality rate coincided with the distribution of Ivermectin, with an
associated decrease in hospital admissions.
Case 2. State of Ucayali
Population: 589,110; Population over 60 years: 51,639
Intervention with Ivermectin
On May 24, 2020, the distribution of Ivermectin by the Ministry of Health (MINSA) reached
27,390 doses until the end of June. In July MINSA sent 59,167 doses, in August 7,288, and in
September 6,300. MINSA sent a total of 100,144 doses: 0.17 doses per person in the state.
On May 7, the general manager at EsSalud, Federico Tong, announced the delivery of
ivermectin to be included in the protocol to treat COVID-19.
On May 26, two councilors and an official from the Departmental Government of Ucayali
announced the delivery of ivermectin to local authorities and health centers. Raúl Edgar Soto
Rivera, one of the counselors, confirmed as of May 18 they had delivered 500 doses of
ivermectin and had received a donation of 1,000 additional doses.
On July 7, the director of the Health Directorate of Ucayali, Willy Lora, shared with the media the
protocol for the treatment of COVID in that region which included: Azithromycin, Ivermectin
drops and Paracetamol.
On June 18, Director of the Ucayali Assistance Network, Dr Francisco Samaniego, announced
the start of ivermectin production in the Ucayali region.
Results in the population older than 60 years
The sharp decrease of deaths happened when only 0.71% of the population in this group had
died. The aggregate percentage of deaths from March to September is 1.48%
The case fatality rate, which was above 20% in April, remained below 10% between May and
June. Since August it has remained below 3%.
Confirmed Positive COVID-19 cases decreased between May and June, reaching 822 in August,
the highest number since the start of the pandemic.
Unexpectedly, excess deaths went from 463 in May to 51 in July, a decrease of 89% in two
months. These relative values of deaths went from 0.90% to 0.10%
Between May and June, the decrease in excess deaths coincided with the distribution of
ivermectin. The variation in the number of positive cases is not related to the variation in
deaths. There was no significant reduction in this population group to explain why the
vulnerable population had only been reduced by 0.71%.
The decrease in the case fatality rate coincides with the start of ivermectin programs.
Case 3: State of Piura
Population: 2,047,954 ; Population over 60: 234,250
Intervention with ivermectin
The distribution of ivermectin by the Ministry of Health (MINSA), which began on May 24, 2020,
reached 59,590 doses by the end of June. In July, MINSA sent 47,500 doses; in August, 5,000
doses; and in September, 25,000 doses. MINSA sent a total of 137,090 doses, which amounted
to 0.07 doses per person in the state.
On May 21, the mayors of the province of Piura announced the purchase of ivermectin to be
delivered to the population affected by the virus.
On May 31, a group of volunteers "Comando COVID" reported its campaign to deliver
ivermectin, for the treatment of COVID-19, free of charge, to people with limited resources.
More than 12,000 doses have been delivered to date.
On July 3, the Piura government announced distribution of 100,000 doses of ivermectin to
health centers in the region.
The mayor of Piura, Juan José Diaz Dios, confirmed that by July 22, they had delivered 300,000
doses of ivermectin.
Results in the population older than 60 years
Beginning the last week of May, there was a decrease in the number of deaths. This decline
was steep through the end of June and has continued with a slight decline week after week.
The number of daily deaths in Piura has been stable since July, however, it continues to be
higher than average before the pandemic.
The decrease of deaths happened when only 0.53% of the population in this group had died.
The aggregate percentage of deaths from March to September is 1.41%.
The case fatality rate was around 30% until June. It decreased to 14% in July. Since August it is
below 10%.
Monthly, the COVID-19 cases detected have remained stable at approximately 1,400 since May.
However, in July there was a decrease in numbers due to a 30% reduction in testing.
Unexpectedly, monthly deaths went from 1,374 in May to 387 in July. A decrease of 72% in two
months. The relative values of deaths went from 0.59% to 0.17% for this population group.
The decrease in the excess deaths at the end of May coincides with the distribution of
ivermectin in the department. The variation in the number of positive cases does not explain
the variation in deaths, nor can it be explained by a substantial reduction in this population
group, which had only decreased 0.53%.
The reduction in the case fatality rate that occurred as of July also coincides with the
distribution of ivermectin in the Department's Health Centers.
Case 4: State of Tumbes
Population: 251,521 ; Population over 60: 28,166
Intervention with ivermectin
The distribution of ivermectin by the Ministry of Health (MINSA) that began on May 24, 2020
reached 9,795 doses through June 14. In July MINSA sent 61,167 doses, and in August 3,000.
MINSA sent a total of 72,962 doses, amounting to 0.29 doses per person in the state.
June 9, the Governor of the Department and the Director of Health of the region announced that
they have promoted the active search for COVID-19 patients who are given ivermectin as part
of the treatment.
June 27, The Governor of Tumbes, in a meeting with the Mayors of the Region, announced the
implementation of the "Pharmacological Blockade" program in all the Districts of the
Department, with an associated acquisition of 50 thousand doses of ivermectin.
Results in the population older than 60 years
In the first week of June, the number of deaths began to decline, with a further decline in the
first week of August. The drop in fatalities continued week after week. The daily number of
deaths in Tumbes since mid-August is similar to the average number before the pandemic.
The decrease in the number of deaths occurred when 0.72% of this population group had died.
The aggregate percentage of deaths from March to September is 1.86%.
The fatality rate, which remained around 30% until June, decreased to 6% in July and 3% in
August.
COVID-19 cases from May to August have remained stable at between 180 and 315 cases.
Unexpected excess deaths went from 198 in June to 38 in August, a decrease of 81% in two
months. The relative values of deaths went from 0.70% to 0.13% in this population group.
The decrease in deaths that occurred from June coincides with the beginning of the
distribution of ivermectin in the department. The variation in the number of positive cases does
not explain the variation in deaths, nor can it be explained by a substantial reduction in this
population group, which had only been reduced by 0.72%.
The reduction in the case fatality rate as of July coincides with the expansion of the
"Pharmacological Blockade" program where the central axis is ivermectin, throughout the state.
Case 5: State of La Libertad
Population: 2,016,771; Population over 60: 257,655
Intervention with ivermectin
The distribution of ivermectin by the Ministry of Health (MINSA) that began on May 24, 2020
reached 42,355 doses through the end of June. In July MINSA sent 154,000 doses, in August
98,333, and in September 35,750. MINSA sent a total of 330,438 doses: 0.16 doses per person
in the state.
On July 23, the regional governor of La Libertad, Manuel Llempén reported he had distributed
40,000 doses of ivermectin among health centers in the region.
On July 20, the Government of La Libertad reported delivery of ivermectin to more than 30,000
people, including patients with COVID-19 and their families.
On August 4, the La Libertad Medical College requested termination of the ivermectin mass
distribution program, arguing that it generated false hopes. They also stated that deaths had
not been reduced. In an official communication on June 15, the regional entity had already
rejected the use of ivermectin and had recommended abstaining from its use.
Results in the population older than 60 years
In the second week of June, the number of deaths had slowed, and from the second week of
July they began to decline. The decline in fatalities has continued week after week. The deaths
in La Libertad since the second week of September are similar to the values presented before
the pandemic.
The decrease in the number of deaths occurred when only 0.74% of this population group had
died. The aggregate percentage of deaths from March to September is 1.27%.
The fatality rate, which grew month by month until reaching 60% in June, rose to 25% in July , in
August it was 13%, and in September 9.5%.
COVID-19 cases detected between June and August have increased slightly from 1,204 cases
in June to 1,394 in August. In September decreased to 1,155.
Unexpectedly, excess deaths went from 1,293 in June to 485 in August. A 62% decrease in two
months. Between the same period, the relative values of deaths went from 0.50% to 0.19% in
this population group.
By the end of June, the decrease in deaths coincides with the distribution of ivermectin in the
department. The variation in the number of positive cases does not explain the variation in
deaths, nor can it be explained by a substantial reduction in this population group, which had
only been reduced by 0.74%.
The reduction in the case fatality rate began to appear in mid-June and coincided with the
distribution of ivermectin in the department's health centers. The fatality rate is higher than that
shown in other states. It is important to verify whether this higher fatality has been a
consequence of the regional medical college's rejection of ivermectin treatment.
Case 6: State of Arequipa
Population: 1,497,438 ; Population over 60: 212,228
Intervention with ivermectin
The distribution of Ivermectin by the Ministry of Health (MINSA) that began on May 24, 2020
reached 15,375 doses through the end of June. In July MINSA sent 185,000 doses, in August
25,000, and in September 33,000. MINSA sent a total of 258,375 doses, which amounted to
0.17 doses per person in the state.
On July 20, the Arequipa Health Network (La Red de Salud Arequipa) began delivery of
ivermectin to the population affected by the virus in its initial stage
On July 20, the 25 regional health centers began to deliver ivermectin, azithromycin and
Acetaminophen to all diagnosed patients.
On August 5, in an emergency meeting, the mayors of Arequipa agreed to manage the
purchase of one million doses of ivermectin for the treatment of patients infected by the
coronavirus.
Results in the population older than 60 years
In the first week of August, the number of deaths plummeted. It followed a steady decline in
fatalities that has continued week after week. The deaths in La Arequipa at the end of
September are similar to values presented before the pandemic.
The decrease in the number of deaths occurred when only 1.19% of this population group had
died. The aggregate percentage of deaths from March to September is 1.79%.
The case fatality rate, which grew month by month until reaching 20% in July. Since August it is
below 10%.
Detected COVID-19 cases grew exponentially from 346 cases in June to 3,447 in August. In
September cases decreased to 1,532 due less testing.
Unexpected excess deaths went from 1,728 in July to 243 in September, a 86% decrease in two
months. Between the same period, the relative values of deaths went from 0.86% to 0.16% in
this population group.
The decrease in deaths that occurred from August coincides with the massive ivermectin
distribution program in the department. The variation in the number of positive cases does not
explain the variation in deaths, nor can it be explained by a substantial reduction in this
population group, which had only been reduced by 1.19%.
The reduction in the case fatality rate began to appear in August and coincided with the
distribution of ivermectin in the department's health centers.
Case 7: State of Moquegua
Population: 192,740 ; Population over 60: 29,157
Intervention with ivermectin
The distribution of ivermectin by the Ministry of Health (MINSA) that began on May 24, 2020
reached 2,605 doses through the end of June. Between July 5 and 12, MINSA sent 20,000
doses; between july 26 and August 9, 116,667 doses; and on August 23, 25,000 doses. MINSA
sent a total of 159,322 doses, which amounted to 0.83 doses per person in the state.
On July 10, the Moquegua Regional Hospital began the production of ivermectin The drug
would be sent to health centers for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
The Moquegua region received medical personnel and a large shipment of medicines on
August 5, with the purpose of starting its massive distribution as of August 6 as part of the
government program called "Operation Tayta."
According to the official medicine distribution records of the Ministry of Health, between
August 4 and 13, the national government distributed 28,000 doses of ivermectin in Moquegua.
On August 15, the Moquegua Development Fund delivered two thousand kits with Paracetamol,
Azithromycin and Ivermectin.
Results in the population older than 60 years
Starting the first week of August, the number of deaths began to plummet. The decline in
fatalities has continued week after week. The deaths in Moquegua in September are similar to
those that occurred before the pandemic.
The decrease in the number of deaths occurred when 1.08% of this population group died. The
aggregate percentage of deaths from March to September is 1.76%.
The case fatality rate, which grew month by month reached 32% in June. It declined to 15% in
July, 8% in August and 4% in September.
Detected COVID-19 cases grew exponentially from 60 cases in June to 1,047 in August. In
September cases dropped following a decrease in testing.
Unexpectedly, excess deaths went from 309 in August to 29 in September, a decrease of 91%
in one month. The relative values of deaths went from 1.06% to 0.10% of this population group.
The decrease in deaths from August coincides with the massive ivermectin distribution
program in the department. The variation in the number of positive cases does not explain the
variation in deaths, nor can it be explained by a substantial reduction in this population group,
which had only been reduced by 1.08%.
The reduction in the case fatality rate from July coincides with the production of ivermectin at
the regional hospital, and the other drug delivery campaigns.
Case 8: State of Cusco
Population: 1,357,075 ; Population over 60: 138,969
Intervention with ivermectin
The distribution of ivermectin by the Ministry of Health (MINSA) that began on May 24, 2020
reached 10,828 doses through the end of June. In July MINSA sent 27,500 doses; in August,
50,000 doses; and in September, 62,375 doses. MINSA sent a total of 150,703 doses, which
amounted to 0.11 doses per each person in the state.
On June 15, the Adolfo Guevara Velasco National Hospital in Cusco received new medical
equipment and 600 doses of ivermectin for the treatment of COVID patients.
On August 15, 2020, the Cusco Health Directorate began the distribution of ivermectin among
health centers in the region. One thousand daily doses was its initial production capacity.
On August 20, the regional director of Health in Cusco announced the distribution of 20,000
ivermectin treatments.
Results in the population older than 60 years
In the last week of August, the number of deaths began to drop dramatically. Fatalities
decreased week after week. The daily number of deaths in Cusco in the second week of
September is similar to the average number before the pandemic.
The decrease in the number of deaths occurred when only 0.40% of this population group had
died. The aggregate percentage of deaths from March to September is 0.66%.
By June, the cumulative fatality rate was 16%. During July and August, the fatality rate had
been below 10%.
Detected COVID-19 cases grew exponentially, moving from 71 cases in June to 1,679 in
August. In September cases dropped following a decrease in testing.
Unexpectedly, excess deaths went from 725 in August to 165 in September. A decrease of 77%
in one month. The relative values of deaths went from 0.52% to 0.12% of this population group.
The decrease in deaths at the end of August coincided with the distribution of ivermectin in the
department. The variation in the number of positive cases does not explain the variation in
deaths, nor can it be explained by a substantial reduction in this population group, which had
only decreased by 0.40%.
The reduction in the case fatality rate began in July and coincides with the distribution of
ivermectin by the Ministry of Health.
Control group: State of Lima
Population: 10,628,470 ; Population over 60: 1,648,028
Intervention with ivermectin
The distribution of ivermectin by the Ministry of Health (MINSA) that began on June 1, 2020
only reached 4,066 patients by mid-July.
On August 20, 2020 the Ministry of Defense announced the ‘Mega Tayta Operation,’ its goal
being to reach 500,000 COVID-positive patients by the end of the year. Lima was included in the
program.
A recent Peruvian observational study showed that less than 10% (561) of Covid-positive
hospitalized patients in Lima received ivermectin as a treatment from April to July, out of a
sample of 5,683 patients.
Results in the population older than 60 years
During the first week of June, the number of deaths shortly dropped, then fatalities plateaued
until mid August. In September, the daily number of deaths in Lima was higher than any other
state of Peru.
The decrease in the number of deaths took place when 1.82% of the population group had died.
The aggregate percentage of deaths from March to September was 2.02%.
The case fatality rate, which stayed around 20% from April to July declined in August, but it still
remains the highest among Peruvian States.
Detected COVID-19 cases remained stable at around 10,000 cases since April. In August cases
grew, following an increase in testing.
The deaths in the Lima districts showed the same growth in April and the same plateau from
June. Lima showed a unified single wave.
Excess deaths remained stable between 6,000 and 7,000 from April to August. There was a
50% decrease in September. The relative values of deaths were around 0.40% of this
population group.
There was no decrease in deaths between April and August, nor reduction in the case fatality
rate during this period.
Discussion
The correlation between the ivermectin interventions and the decrease in both excess deaths
and case fatality rate are quite strong and consistent in all the regions analyzed. Because the
correlation is strong, the probability of this being caused by other factors is low.
The most certain way to rule out a correlation occurring by random chance is to find the same
correlation in several cases. This study has seen the correlation between interventions with
ivermectin and a decrease in excess deaths and the case fatality rate in eight Peruvian states.
Additionally, when analyzing two outcomes instead of one (excess deaths and CFR), a casual
result becomes even more implausible. In this manner, we discard accidental cause as an
explanation for the correlation.
Regarding external factors, we have already ruled out causality by a higher percentage of the
young population by including only people over 60 years of age in the study. We also ruled out
the variation in the number of cases when verifying that there was no decrease in these before
reducing mortality. We also ruled out a substantial reduction in the susceptible population
when confirming that in no case did deaths reduce this population by more than 2.0%.
Regarding susceptible population reduction at the time of the decrease in excess deaths and
CFR, these values were unequal in the states analyzed. As an example, the population
reduction in Arequipa was four times higher than the decrease in Cusco.
To rule out the possibility of a weaker strain of the virus having mutated throughout the
Peruvian region, thereby conveying some degree of cross-immunity to COVID-19, Lima has
been included in the study as a control group. The excess deaths and CFT in the Peruvian
Capital remained stable for five months, between April and August.
Recently, a new theory emerged that some scientists say could explain the low mortality levels
in some regions. It is a cross-immunity with dengue that would explain the low levels of
mortality. This theory collapses here, by observing the high mortality rates in Peruvian states
such as Arequipa and Moquegua, where there haven't been dengue cases in the last 20 years.
The mortality rose with COVID cases and dropped after the intervention with ivermectin.
Conclusion
In these eight Peruvian State analyses, ivermectin distributions preceded significant reductions
in number of deaths and infection fatality rate. The variation in the number of detected cases
or a decrease in the vulnerable population can't explain the mortality and lethality
improvement. Likewise, other possible explanations, such as crossed immunity with dengue, or
mere causality, have been discarded here due to their lack of consistency.
Treatment with Ivermectin is the most reasonable explanation for the decrease in the death
and fatality rate in Peru. Its implementation in public policy is a highly effective measure to
reduce the mortality and lethality of COVID-19.
Charts and tables
