Indigenous NGO support to people with viral hepatitis is established in Manaus

The non-governmental organization (NGO) Yura-nah - which means something belonging to indigenous peoples, language Marubo - will be created on Monday (6) in Manaus. The main objective is to discuss the public health policies, focusing on viral hepatitis.

The representative of the indigenous peoples of the Javari Valley Eliésio Marubo, who will lead the NGO, explains that the creation of the Yura-nah will not replace the work of other indigenous organizations, but contribute to the improvement of quality in health care in the country. The Yura-Na has this role, this flag is central to the social control of public policies. We are emphasizing the health policy and, within that debate, viral hepatitis, an issue rarely discussed in organizations. The question has been, I think, the Achilles heel of the federal government. "

According Marubo, over 80% of the population of the Javari Valley Indigenous Land, in the far west of the Amazon are in contact with viral hepatitis. He says that leaders sought unsuccessfully to all levels of government to address the problem. Viral hepatitis is the great evil that Brazil will be affected in a few years. I see that viral hepatitis is as or more harmful than AIDS, and the company has not given importance to the discussion.

According to the Ministry of Health, the Special Indigenous Health and the Department of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, AIDS and Viral Hepatitis develop actions related to these diseases in the indigenous population since 2009. It said last year, meetings were held with representatives of the indigenous population, health professionals, coordinators and secretaries of state and local health, which resulted in action plans for the 34 Special Indigenous Health Districts (DSEI).

Among the shares were distributed about 2 million condoms and 270 trained professionals to work in the prevention and rapid testing. The ministry said were also sent nearly 100,000 rapid tests for hepatitis B and C to Dsei ..

The balance of the folder shows that in 2010, there were 98 cases of hepatitis A, hepatitis B and 64 eight cases of hepatitis C in Indigenous nationwide. The Indians are among the groups most vulnerable to viral hepatitis and may be offered free immunization against hepatitis B.

The protocol for the creation of the NGO will be signed on Monday and Yura-ná already has 16 volunteers. Who can donate or want to participate in volunteering can contact by e-mail valedojavari-am@hotmail.com. All information about the disease, as symptoms, ways of transmission and prevention, www.hepatitesvirais.com.br are available on the website of the Ministry of Health

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