Little Butterflies: supporting abused kids, Brazil

Brazil reached in April the highest Covid-19 death rate since the beginning of the pandemic in the country. According to the National Council of Health Secretaries (Conass), which registers data of the last seven days, the average of deaths by Covid-19 has been more than 3000. Brazil is confirmed to be the third country with the highest number of victims (after India and USA) according to a Johns Hopkins University’s survey. Oswaldo Cruz Fundation (Fiocruz) spread a new bulletin in which shows that the pandemic should remain at critical levels also for the month of May. Last analysis show that the virus and its 92 variants remain in circulation with much intensity throughout the country. Up to now, according to World Health Organization data, the total number of victims counts more than 406.000 people.

In the Amazon this situation has been worsened by the “Brazilian variant” founded in Manaus. The lack of oxygen and a Central State not ready to face this emergency are just some reasons that pushed the governor Willson Lima to ask for help to other States and to the Ministry of Health in order to transfer many patients from Manaus and to receive proper care.

The vaccination campaign began in January and during the first phase the doses have been destinated to the most fragile people (old people and people with mental or physical disability). However, the campaign is still too slow and there are not enough doses (just 9.2% of the whole population).

To suffer the most from this pandemic are the poorest families in which parents are without a job and are not protected by the State. There are families that can provide just one meal a day to their children. Moreover, during this period food prices have risen (also staple foods like beans, rice, flour, chicken) and also products for the personal hygiene have become more expensive.

Some children supported by the project are under quarantine, but in general their conditions are under control.  We have to thank you if Aleimar and our local referents always work to provide them food, health, psychological and legal support!