Brazil |
Amazonas State STD/HIV/AIDS Programme
Section 2: About the People
Who is involved with the project?
The Municipal STD/HIV/AIDS Coordination team is composed of a nurse, psychologist, and biochemist, two of whom are native to Itacoatiara. Various local health workers, teachers, and volunteers accompany the Municipal team in their campaigning efforts.
Monthly, about 200 community members are tested for HIV in the VCT. The majority of them are young pregnant women between the ages of 13 and 24.
About 40 PLWHAs per month utilize the services provided by the Municipal Coordination team. Anti-retrovirals, condoms and infant formula are solicited from the Ministry of Health and delivered to Itacoatiara. Bus or ambulance transportation to and from Manaus, where there are better-equipped hospitals and treatment centres, is also provided.
The community at large is provided with information via media channels (radio, television and newspapers) on the risks, prevention and testing options available in Itacoatiara.
Why are these people involved?
The healthcare system in Brazil is composed of various levels. In every health post there are doctors, nurses, dentists, community health agents, laboratory workers, nurses’ assistants and a cleaning crew. The community health agents, laboratory workers, nurses’ assistants and cleaning crew earn minimum wage or slightly higher per month. They are all employees of the local government, living off of the monthly £ 100.
The VTC is a governmental health centre open to the public. Anyone can access the services provided. Itacoatiara has a large population that live in the interior of the municipality, where healthcare services are limited. When necessary, these individuals travel to Itacoatiara to access healthcare services, including those offered through the VTC. The majority of individuals living in the interior of Amazonas are considered poor. Some live without electricity and the majority live hours by boat from the nearest hospital.
How has the project helped improve healthcare of the people involved with the project?
The Municipal STD/HIV/AIDS Coordination team is working with the local Secretary for Social Work to provide food subsidies for the poorest PLWHAs. Through the local government the Municipal Coordination team offers free transportation for PLWHAs to and from Manaus, where they can seek better treatment for opportunistic infections and receive monthly checkups from specialized health professionals.
What are the most important healthcare items for people in Itacoatiara Amazonas?
Easy access to reputable services and affordable medication are essential for all of us. Portable water and sanitation are necessary as well.
About the project
About the People
Healthcare and Poverty in Brazil
Healthcare and the Millennium Development Goals
