By: Jessica Stuart
Last week, I filmed the launch of an NTD treatment program in Recife, Brazil with the Global Network. Recife is Brazil’s fourth largest city with 1.5 million people, but one million of those people live in poverty. Brazil has made incredible progress fighting neglected tropical diseases in many areas, but the poorest of the poor are still at risk for NTDs like Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), leprosy and intestinal worms. As the country grows into a world superpower, cities like Recife are working with partners like the Global Network, PAHO, and Miss Universe to help eliminate the unnecessary pain and suffering caused by NTDs.
Current Miss Brazil Debora Lyra and former Miss Brazil and BAND TV presenter Renata Fan joined the fight last week with a very special visit to the Jose Cordeiro School in Cohab, Recife.
The children were curious about our visit, and when we told them that Miss Brazil was coming, they were excited. They had so many questions. Why is this happening at their school? Why are they special? Why now?
The school is part of an important outreach effort taking place. Teachers are working to educate the children about NTDs. Most of all, they are there to let the children know that these diseases are PREVENTABLE. And elimination is possible, especially when you start with a child. If you can teach a child, a child can bring the knowledge home to a family.
