Inadequate access to healthcare
Following a rise in cases in the Amazonas, the local health system has collapsed. There are reports of oxygen shortages and large numbers of patient deaths, particularly of those transported from remote locations to the state’s capital Manaus.
Supporting health authorities
Our teams are supporting the local infirmary in São Gabriel da Cachoeira and the local hospital in Tefé, whilst working to increase the testing capacity of the municipality.
Providing essentials
MSF donated oxygen cylinders and oxygen concentrators to a hospital in Tefé.
Médecins Sans Frontières is providing support and medical care around the world to counter the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re providing essential care through dedicated COVID-19 facilities, equipping frontline medical staff with PPE and training, and supporting health authorities through testing and community education.
With 50 years of experience fighting epidemics, we’re committed to protecting the most vulnerable and saving lives.
Following the Haiti earthquake of January 2010, thousands of Haitians fled the devastation and sought asylum in Brazil. Stranded in the border town Tabatinga, and unable to work or leave until they received authorisation, many were living in extremely poor conditions. In November of 2010, Médecins Sans Frontières began offering psychological support and distributed washing kits.
By January of 2012, the Brazilian Ministry of Justice announced that some 4,000 Haitians would be granted residence and work visas. The federal government also opened up legal migration opportunities from Haiti. With the improvement in the situation, MSF’s program was closed in February 2012.
Many Haitians left Tabatinga for the city of Manaus, and an MSF team provided training in mental healthcare and health promotion to health staff and social workers in Manaus.
