The book distributed in the communities of Rio addresses the search for social rights; the action also includes seminars
The promotion of health goes beyond disease prevention. It is a transversal theme that concerns social rights, the fight against violence and structural racism. This expansion of the fight for the right to health is one of the pillars of the booklet Health in the favelas from an anti-racist perspectivelaunched by Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) and the Unified Black Movement, in Rio de Janeiro.
Available in online and paper format, the book addresses, among other topics, the right to health, the guarantee of rights, social participation and the role of public prosecutors; the structural differences between favelas, housing complexes and illegal subdivisions; racism, racial crimes and gun violence; in addition to obstetric violence.
“The project proposes that health goes beyond the absence of diseases. The focus is on the rights that the periphery wants and how to fight to obtain them. Health is connected to all the chapters of the booklet in a transversal way”, explains the professor Clarice Ávila, leader of the Unified Black Movement.
The result of the Coordination for Social Cooperation of the Fiocruz Presidency, the booklet will initially be distributed in four large favela complexes in Rio: Vila Cruzeiro, Jacarezinho, Vila Kennedy and Mangueirinha. These regions are also the initial center of other actions that make up a broad health promotion campaign, in the name of hospitality, active listening and anti-racism.
In addition to the brochure, the action consists of seminars on the topic of anti-racism based on health promotion and participation in various instances of the Unified Health System (SUS). In 2023 there were ten training cycles. The intention of the organizers is to extend the distribution to other communities. Manguinhos and Maré, for example, have already shown interest.
Another initiative is the documentary Anti-racist healthcare in the favelas, is it possible?, produced by Fiocruz, in collaboration with nine civil society organisations. The film talks about the construction of networks in the territories and presents the perspectives of different professional categories.
Leonardo Bueno, Public Health Technologist at Fiocruz, states that there is a particular concern for the psychosocial dimension and mental health of the population of peripheral areas and favelas, which is predominantly black (black and brown). “We are evaluating this impact in addition to the more well-known impacts of homicide and personal injury.”
On the basis of this work, we intend to consolidate the fight against racism in all postgraduate courses, in promotion practices and in working relationships and with civil society.
*This content was produced in collaboration with the Unified Black Movement (MNU), a pioneering organization in the fight against racial discrimination in the country
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
