BRAZIL: Medical clinics reach Indigenous communities
Salesian centers host medical students and doctors
BRAZIL
(MissionNewswire) Salesian centers in Sangradouro and Meruri, Brazil, were host to 34 medical students and doctors from the University Center Faculty of Medicine of Santos (UNILUS). This was the 15th expedition of the Academic Project of Assistance to Indigenous Peoples (PAAPI), which started in 2009. The project provided medical clinics for Xavante Indigenous people in Sangradouro and Bororo Indigenous people in Meruri.
The students are in their first to third year of medical school and were supported by doctors and teachers. Along with the Salesians, they organized a health center and facilitated activities for the children including sports and painting.
“This is a yearly event that ensures medical support reaches these Indigenous communities that have access to few resources,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “While education may be the main goal, Salesians serve the whole person by making sure that basic needs are met including proper nutrition and medical care.”
Salesian missionaries in Brazil provide education, workforce development, and social services throughout the country. Missionaries help to meet the basic needs of poor youth, including street children, and provide them with an education and life skills to gain employment, break the cycle of poverty, and lead productive lives.
According to the World Bank, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on Brazil with poverty tripling in 2021. Nearly 17 million people fell into poverty in the first quarter of the year and the poverty rate now is higher than it was a decade ago. Researchers estimate that 12.8% of Brazil’s population, some 27 million people, are now living below the poverty line.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
Salesian Missions – Brazil
World Bank – Brazil
