A medical worker conducts COVID-19 test for an indigenous man in the state of Maranhao, Brazil, Oct. 3, 2020. The Brazilian government launched on Saturday the third phase of "Operation Maranhao" to provide medical care for indigenous people in the northeastern state. The operation, which began on Sept. 14, aims to serve the needs of more than 30,000 indigenous people in the state and provide specialized services in the fight against COVID-19. (Photo by Lucio Tavora/Xinhua)
GRAJAU, Brazil, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian government launched on Saturday the third phase of "Operation Maranhao" to provide medical care for indigenous people in the northeastern state.
The program, a joint operation by the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, is responsible for the delivery of more than two tons of medicines, COVID-19 test kits, and protective equipment to several indigenous villages.
The operation, which began on Sept. 14, aims to serve the needs of more than 30,000 indigenous people in the state and provide specialized services in the fight against COVID-19.
"This operation is very important because it seeks to intensify care for the indigenous population of Maranhao," said Sueles Viana Marize Lopes, executive secretary of the District Council for Indigenous Health.
During the operation, indigenous patients will have access to gynecologists, specialists in infectious diseases, and pediatricians, among other medical specialists.
All people treated are subjected to a COVID-19 test and given a comprehensive medical examination.
"There are more than 625 indigenous villages in Maranhao. All of them have their own respective multidisciplinary team to attend to them," said Alberto Jose Braga Goulart, coordinator of the Maranhao Special Indigenous Health District. Enditem