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BRAZIL: Free services available for people suffering long-term effects of COVID-19

Salesian University UniSales providing health services for those with long-term effects of COVID-19

BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) Brazil is among the countries hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the Salesian University UniSales, located in Vitória in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, is helping people who are suffering from the long-term effects of the virus through its Integrated Community Health Care Center. The Salesian University’s Faculties of Physiotherapy and Nutrition are providing assistance both in-person and remotely.

The initiative was launched after the realization that many patients are still experiencing difficulties long after recovering from COVID-19. The lingering after-effects have included symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle pain and mental confusion.

Professor Miriam Paixão’s dietary guidance will help the recovery of these patients. She said, “We believe that offering this accompanying pathway will help the population of Espírito Santo who are not in a position to afford prolonged treatment for full recovery from COVID-19.”

Paixão added, “The patient, after being intubated, does indeed need attention with regard to diet.” She noted that nutrition can help improve symptoms as well as problems associated with chronic diseases that individuals could have already been suffering.

The services are free and bookable with a simple phone call. Salesian staff members are focused on helping patients with respiratory, motor, neurological and metabolic physiotherapy as well as assisting patients who have been intubated and suffer from dysphagia, reflux, dyspnea, hair loss, alteration of the gastrointestinal tract, weight loss, joint pain or weakened nails.

Brazil has one of the strongest economies in Latin America and is an important agricultural and industrial power in the region. Just over 15 percent of Brazilians live in poverty, with the majority living in the rural northeast of the country, according to the World Bank. While Brazil is making positive changes, there are still large gaps between the poor and the rich, and issues of income inequality and social exclusion remain at the root of poverty.

Inequalities also exist in access to education and educational efficiency. These inequalities are greatest for children and youth who are poor, live in rural areas or who have an incomplete compulsory education. Salesian missionaries working with poor youth and their families in Brazil develop programs and provide youth opportunities for furthering their education and skills.

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Sources:

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ANS – Brazil – UniSales of Vitória offers free treatment to patients with post-Covid-19 disorders

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil