In Aracati, a tropical region of Brazil, children's respiratory systems are affected by numerous epidemics

Aracati is a town in the state of Ceará, in north-east Brazil, where the Daughters of Charity have been working in hospitals, schools and deprived areas since their arrival in 1865.

« Despite the natural beauty of the region, we are faced with high levels of poverty, with cheap labour and sexual exploitation as a by-product of tourism. The city's public health system is deficient, particularly in view of the high demand for paediatrics and the high birth rate among teenage girls.» Sr Patricia

At Ste Louise de Marillac hospital, founded in 1948 by the Daughters of Charity, 5 sisters work alongside a 98-strong medical and administrative team to provide emergency maternity and paediatric services.

« Because our region is tropical, children very often have respiratory problems. We treat 7,079 children a year free of charge. These children come from families living below the poverty line, with parents who are sometimes drug addicts. Our hospital is a benchmark in terms of care for this disadvantaged population. » Sr Patricia

Project: Medical equipment to provide respiratory physiotherapy for young children 

In recent months, the region has seen an epidemic of diseases affecting children's respiratory systems, with increasingly serious cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), viral bronchiolitis and severe asthma.

« But the hospital lacks the resources to acquire additional medical equipment and treat these paediatric pathologies effectivel.» Sr Patricia

The main urgent need is for respiratory physiotherapy equipment.

We need to maintain the current equipment, which is deteriorating due to a lack of financial resources, and purchase new equipment to equip the treatment room and welcome children during consultations. We turned to Rosalie Rendu Projects for help in acquiring therapeutic resources and preventing, alleviating and treating the problems of our children suffering from respiratory disorders.’ Sr Patricia