Brazil expands mobile health units and launches dignity project for homeless

The Brazilian Ministry of Health, led by Minister Alexandre Padilha, unveiled the National Policy for Integral Health Care of the Homeless Population. The program will increase the number of mobile health units to 400 and expand to 392 multidisciplinary teams nationwide, with an investment of R$144 million. Services will include gynecological exams, blood tests, rapid testing and other primary‑care activities, and the policy mandates that people without a SUS card must be admitted. Padilha said, “A partir de hoje, nós passamos a ter 392 equipes espalhadas em todo o país para cuidar das pessoas em situação de rua.”

In Goiânia, pastor Willian Zacarias operates the “Banho da Dignidade” initiative, offering hygiene, food, clean clothing and haircuts to 80–100 street‑dwelling individuals every two weeks. The project also seeks to connect participants with therapeutic communities and families, helping dozens leave the streets. Zacarias explained, “Sempre tive esse desejo de ajudar pessoas que vivem a mesma realidade que eu vivi.” The effort costs about R$1 000 per edition and relies on donations and support from the Casa do Pão therapeutic community.