Chikwe Ihekwazu writing in Nigeria Health Watch:
More hereI recently visited Brazil. Brazil has a lot in common with Nigeria: a large population (200M in Brazil vs. 170M in Nigeria) and a similarly huge gap between the rich and the poor. Over the years, I had heard a lot about Brazil’s progressive policies in public health. Long before universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) became accepted, Brazil challenged conventional wisdom and, despite World Bank objections, provided free universal access to ART for all people living with HIV/AIDS since 1996. In addition, Brazil manufactures most of its own vaccines in the famous Fiocruz Institute. So, I jumped at the opportunity enabled by the TEDxChange programme and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to visit a primary health centre in Rocinha (Rio de Janeiro), one of the largest favelas in Brazil. Its proximity to the homes of the upper class from neighboring districts marks a profound contrast to the urban landscape of the region. It was just as seen in the movies; narrow alleyways ascending steep hills absolutely packed with people. While I felt somewhat uncomfortable about looking around and into their day-to-day reality, I felt privileged to deepen my understanding of the common challenges shared by Rio, Lagos and Johannesburg, two other cities close to my heart.
A tour round the Primary Health care centre in the Rochina favela Photo Credit: Pilar Olivares/TED In the heart of this favela, I found one of the most advanced primary health care centres I have ever seen anywhere in the world. No, I am not just referring to its infrastructure but also to the information management system, the availability of dental surgery and mental health services, its emergency room, family planning services and paediatric unit. We were taken round the centre by Dr. Michael Duncan, who proudly showed us the various services and explained that, despite a well established parallel private health care sector, for many diseases, this clinic provides the best care available in Brazil. The centre is open for 24 hours every day of the year.
The Rochina favela in Rio de Janeiro Photo Credit: Pilar Olivares/TED
