Agência Brasil – ABr – Data that were released yesterday (13) by the National Health Foundation (Funasa), of the Ministry of Health, indicate improvements in basic sanitation in indigenous communities and a consequent reduction in infant mortality among Indians. In 2000, the number of deaths among Indian children less than a year old was estimated to be 94 for every thousand. Preliminary data for last year reveal a 43.4% drop in this index, which declined to 53.2 per thousand.
Improved sanitation was one of the most important activities carried out by the Funasa to achieve the reduction in the number of deaths among Indian children. Over the past four years, alternative water supply systems were built, and domestic sanitary facilities were improved, through the installation of toilets, water storage tanks, sinks, and showers, as well as septic tanks, in 1,342 villages, benefitting 193,173 Indians. This year, work to improve sanitary conditions will begin in 643 villages, covering a population of 110,880 Indians. (DAS)