(Christian Braga/CASACOR)
In May 2020, at the peak of the first wave of Covid-19 in São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas , there was a lack of oxygen for patients admitted to the city's only hospital. What saved the city from a greater tragedy was a major mobilization. In just a few hours, institutions operating in the region transported cylinders from Manaus to the municipality in time to prevent patients from dying of asphyxiation. Almost a year later, and in the midst of the persistent health crisis, the emergency alliance delivered an important reinforcement to the population: an oxygen plant. (Christian Braga/CASACOR)
The oxygen plant was donated by Greenpeace to Foirn (Federation of Indigenous Organizations of Rio Negro) , in a collective effort with partner organizations: ISA, Coiab (Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon) and Expedicionários da Saúde (EDS). (Christian Braga/CASACOR)
Installed at the Miguel Quirino Basic Health Unit (UBS) , the plant had a total cost of 750 thousand reais and will be able to supply 12 50 - liter cylinders daily with oxygen at 95% purity. The president of the Federation of Indigenous Organizations of Rio Negro (Foirn), Marivelton Barroso , from the Baré people, highlights: “We had to improve the health infrastructure for the 23 indigenous peoples of Rio Negro and the achievement of this oxygen plant is a legacy for the region. The federal government's negligence towards the Brazilian population, especially the most vulnerable , such as indigenous peoples, is a worldwide shame. If it were not for the union of institutions , we would have seen an enormous humanitarian tragedy in Rio Negro .” (Christian Braga/CASACOR)
In addition to São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Santa Isabel do Rio Negro and Barcelos (Middle and Lower Rio Negro), which have a combined population of approximately 100,000 people , will also benefit from the oxygen plant. (Christian Braga/CASACOR)
This is a victory for indigenous peoples and a legacy for the region's public health system . Thanks to the collective work of organized civil society institutions, the fight continues. 
