IOM, the UN Migration Agency, strengthened its support to the Municipal Health Department of Manaus (SEMSA, in Portuguese) through actions to prevent and combat the new coronavirus and other viral syndromes among Brazilian Indigenous and riverside communities located at the banks of Rio Negro (Black River) in Manaus (AM). In the last weeks of January, communities of the Sustainable Development Reserves (RDS, in Portuguese) of Tupé and Puranga Conquista, Indigenous territories of Baré, Tatuyo and Dessana ethnic groups were supported, among others. 

IOM and SEMSA’s health teams worked together to carry out COVID-19 testing, to offer information on COVID-19 prevention as well as conduct general medical consultations for riverside, Indigenous and mixed communities of São João do Tupé, Julião, Nossa Senhora do Livramento and Tatuyo. In total, the health teams conducted about 100 consultations to the Brazilian communities.  

The partner organizations divided the initiatives. While IOM health agents conducted medical consultation with the population, SEMSA workers were responsible for the screening and diagnostic testing for COVID-19. The individuals who tested positive received specific medical information about the disease and, when necessary, prescription of medications for the relief of symptoms. 

Medical appointments during diagnostics represent greater attention to health and the capacity to offer services to the population, in addition to regular follow-ups of the patients’ clinical pictures. 

“In this moment of flu illnesses, the frequency of these consultations is paramount, as the communities receive help and feel safer and protected without the need to go to the capital city [Manaus] to seek assistance. Many locals already know IOM’s team and are grateful for the services conducted in the community”, highlights the vice-president of S. J. do Tupé community and Community Health Agent, Cleiciane Santos. 

The joint work with the community still generates a great impact on the quality of life of the local population, focusing on health education actions and aiming at community autonomy and greater attention to medical needs. 

“This good relationship with the community allows us to identify and share information about COVID-19 preventive measures and, mainly, highlight the importance of the vaccination. Hence, those who acquire such knowledge have the opportunity to pass it on, becoming multipliers”, says IOM’s Health Project Assistant, Mariana Camargo. 

IOM’s activities are financially supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).