ESSOR (Brazil)
Since its birth in 1992, ESSOR's mission is to help the most vulnerable in society to acquire the means to sustainably improve their standard of living. As one of the most significant indicators of vulnerability, the promotion of health and the reduction of health inequalities are a cross-cutting theme (awareness-raising activities, support for micro-projects or youth clubs, guidance and support to public and private health services, etc.).
In 2023/2024, the Eurofins Foundation supports the project Percurso Cidadão: Gerando Saúde in Brazil
By merging popular education and health education, the project aims to support 300 vulnerable adolescents (50% girls) to become health advocates for their health and their community, through a 9-month program, Percurso Cidadão. It takes place in Patos and Campina Grande, located in the Paraíba State, known to have the second highest poverty incidence in Brazil (IBGE, 2022).
While coverage of health services in Brazil has improved, the realisation of the right to health among underprivileged Brazilian youth, especially girls, is far from being achieved. A study in Patos reveals that only 7 teenagers out of 201 surveyed consult for STD prevention and early pregnancy.
Those health inequalities rely mostly on exposure to risks and access to healthcare. Besides, public health policies aimed at youth are built without the involvement of those targeted, leading to little effective participation. COVID-19 has particularly affected the wellbeing of Brazilian youth (mental, sexual and reproductive health, risky behaviors and gender violence).
The programme intends to respond to these challenges by promoting awareness and youth leadership through popular education, to create a shift over healthcare management at the community-level. The project will also strenghten “global health ambassadors” in partnerships with local actors.
This project contributes to the following United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
