Oiapoque (AP) – In the far north of Brazil, the Karipuna indigenous tribe in Aldeia do Manga was able to enjoy a productive day with the Civic Social Assistance event (ACISO) organized by the 34th Jungle Infantry Battalion to bring health services and entertainment to the community.
The activity brought together dozens of people in Aldeia do Manga. A total of 117 medical appointments were made, 76 fluoride applications and 8 dental extractions. Medicines and oral hygiene kits were also distributed, as well as guidance on women’s health, drug use prevention and communicable diseases.
Lieutenant Assuero, a dentist with the Special Border Company in Clevelândia do Norte (AP), commented on the satisfaction of carrying out this type of social action. “This opportunity to go out into the community and provide basic health services only confirms how grateful I am to be a health professional. It’s an enormous satisfaction to be able to make a difference to the lives of the people who wait for us and welcome us so much,” she said.
Toys were also made available for the children, and the military helped with playful recreation with a three-rope bridge and paintings of Recrutinha, the Brazilian Army comic book.
Wagner Karipuna, the education advisor for Aldeia do Manga, said that everyone was looking forward to this action by the Army. “We have a very good partnership with the Brazilian Army. Every time we sit down, discuss things, make demands, we reach out to the military and they respond, especially when we need to enlist our young indigenous people,” said the indigenous leader, who also has a son serving in the army.
The Special Border Company currently has 11 indigenous soldiers. “We have the opportunity to show in practice the consideration and care we have for the indigenous people of the state of Amapá. And we are always well received in Aldeia do Manga, demonstrating that this integration between the Army and indigenous peoples is getting stronger all the time,” concluded Colonel George Alberto, Commander of the 34th Jungle Infantry Battalion.
Around 50 soldiers contributed to the activity, which took place in partnership with the Oiapoque Municipal Secretary and the Indigenous Health Secretary.