The Yanomami Indians of Amazonia suffered catastrophic decline in the 1980s and 1990s when miners invaded their territory, bringing disease and violence. Twenty percent died in seven years. Brazilian government assistance achieved little: what the Yanomami really needed to survive and recover was their land and their own healthcare.
It happened. In 1992, after a 23-year campaign led by Survival and the Pro- Yanomami Commission (CCPY), the Yanomami Park was created. This gave these Amazonian Indians control over almost 10 million hectares of rainforest. During this time, independent medical staff were recruited to work alongside traditional Yanomami healers. This new health initiative, Urihi – which was supported by Survival – reduced the number of deaths by half.
In 2004, the Brazilian government took it over by decree. Spending was doubled, but disease rocketed. Some communities saw fatal cerebral malaria increase four-fold.
The model for proper healthcare amongst tribal peoples is tried, tested, and cheaper than alternatives: outsiders must treat the people and their own knowledge with respect; tribespeople must be trained themselves to give all but the most specialised treatment; and outside health workers must build a mutually supportive relationship with the communities they work in.
Tribal people living in freedom on their own land, making decisions about their own lives, are far healthier than those who have been uprooted and had ‘progress’ forced upon them. If they suffer from diseases introduced from outside, they need appropriate healthcare delivered with respect and sensitivity.
Tribal people are damaged by racism and a clash of cultures when links to their land and identity have been broken. Helping them to rebuild those links is the most effective and efficient cure of all.
It is simple common sense, but the major obstacle facing tribal peoples is the archaic notion – held by governments and many aid organisations – that the problem facing tribal peoples is their lack of progress.
It isn’t.
Please help the Yanomami by writing to the Brazilian government expressing your concern at the deterioration of the Yanomami’s health since the government took over local health programs. Write a letter now using Survival’s online letter-writing tool »