Shanty Town Health Clinic Update
Family Health Program
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
As a result of the ministry of retired Global Ministries missionary Barbara DeSouza (Barbara continues serving as a Global Ministries Long-Term Volunteer) and Brazilian leadership, with the blessing and sponsorship of Brazilian ecumenical organizations and churches, many Brazilian shantytown women were trained over the years as grassroots health educators. The health educators have been working with families in their communities on matters of preventive health care and public health issues, networking and pressuring local authorities to provide adequate conditions for positive community health.
Family Health Program
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
As a result of the ministry of retired Global Ministries missionary Barbara DeSouza (Barbara continues serving as a Global Ministries Long-Term Volunteer) and Brazilian leadership, with the blessing and sponsorship of Brazilian ecumenical organizations and churches, many Brazilian shantytown women were trained over the years as grassroots health educators. The health educators have been working with families in their communities on matters of preventive health care and public health issues, networking and pressuring local authorities to provide adequate conditions for positive community health.
In 1996, the first shantytown health clinic was built near Rio de Janeiro, bringing in a new phase of this work and the network of grassroots health educators acquired non-profit status as the Association of Community Health Educators. The clinic began with four volunteer doctors for a few hours each week as well as student interns. In June 1999, the addition of the Family Health Program was instituted, prioritizing preventative health care instead of just curative health care.
The Shanty Town Health Clinic now oversees two primary health units and has completed construction. It is also a highly recognized family health program in the community. Staff includes three health teams, three doctors, three nurses, six nurse assistants, 18 health educators, a social worker, an administrative assistant, a dentist, and two dental assistants. The facilities provide health screenings, physical therapy programs, a dental program, and ongoing trainings for medical students.
With the latest construction completed, there are now three buildings, eight consultation rooms including one for gynecological procedures, two for infants and small children, a curative room, administration and reception areas, a pharmacy stock room and two rooms for administrative offices. There is also a large room for community gatherings and educational programs. Additionally there is a small kitchen and serving area.
Lastly, there is a room in the new building designated for the new art and recreation program specifically geared towards children and teenagers. These self-esteem building programs were created in hopes of promoting physical, social, and psychological well-being.
The clinic has selected members of the third health team and is ready to put them to work. The other two health teams are extremely over-worked.
The Shantytown Health Clinic was able to sign another two-year contract with the City Health Department and continues to provide training for nine groups of Community Health Educators.
The Physical Therapy program is the only one of its kind in the area and has grown to the point of having to turn patients away.
Despite the obstacles and challenges, the staff of Shanty Town Health Clinic is positively embracing the future of the clinic. Their optimism is nourished by the knowledge that they are making measurable differences in the health of those most impoverished in Rio de Janeiro.
Prepared by: Office of Resource Development
Global Ministries
P.O. Box 1986
Indianapolis, IN 46206
Tel: (317) 713-2555
Fax: (317) 635-4323
Email: gifts@dom.disciples.org
http://globalministries.org/
May 2007