Brazil - Child malnutrition in Nova Xavantina's Xavante villages worries Salesian missionaries

26 September 2022

Campinápolis, Brazil - September 2022 - On Sunday, September 11, the regional coordinator of the Pastoral Care of Children in the state of Mato Grosso, Isabel Silveira Dias, accompanied by Salesian deacon, José Alves, and a young volunteer, Kaique Lima, visited some Xavante villages in the municipality of Nova Xavantina. The group's major concern is cases of malnutrition among the children. Lack of rain, proximity to urban centers, and poor food and hygiene conditions were identified as the causes that most affect the situation. The first village visited was Santa Helena, then Betânia, São Francisco, and finally Teihidzatsé. In each of these villages, food kits purchased by Operation Mato Grosso volunteers and food sent by benefactors from the "Immaculate Conception" parish in the city of Bilac were distributed to children. "Through all the partners who join the Salesian Mission we can reach the villages and distribute food and clothes," commented the Salesian deacon. A soup kitchen was also set up in the village of Santa Helena, cooking dishes with vegetables, pasta, and ground meat. In the village of Betânia, clothes, food, and hygiene materials for infants were distributed, prepared by the Campinápolis Children's Pastoral Care team. The AMA (Mobile Missionary Assistance) project team is providing maintenance and efficiency of water wells, pumps, and tanks in the village of São Francisco, and food items were distributed there as well. The most worrisome cases of malnutrition were recorded in the village of Teihidzatsé where children were checked for weight and in addition to food, vitamins were administered in the most severe cases.

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes. By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements, you consent to the use of cookies. To learn more or to opt out, click "Further Information".