Public health initiatives expand in Niterói and São João de Meriti

In Niterói, the municipal government has completed renovations at the Cavalão Family Doctor Module in São Francisco. The improvements coincide with the 34th anniversary of the city's Family Doctor Program, a policy based on the principles of the Unified Health System (SUS) and community participation. The facility now features two consultation rooms, vaccination areas, observation rooms, and spaces for dressings and medical procedures, alongside administrative areas and a medication dispensary. A multidisciplinary team, including a pediatrician, pharmacist, social worker, and occupational therapist, provides continuous care to the local population.

In São João de Meriti, a collaborative meeting was held at the Novo Rio Family Health Unit (USF) to discuss the intersection of sanitation and public health. Organized by Águas do Rio, the initiative aimed to share technical knowledge and experiences regarding water quality and disease prevention. Health professionals and social responsibility teams discussed the impacts of sanitation on family well-being, particularly in areas prone to flooding where contact with contaminated water increases the risk of illness. The dialogue focused on empowering community health agents with better tools to guide residents on water storage and hygiene.