CAIBAH

If you also live outside Brazil, and would like to help Brazilian immigrants affected by Hansen’s disease, please contact us.

Caibah is a committee created in 2019 to help persons affected by Hansen’s disease who live outside Brazil. We had found that some Brazilians encounter difficulties in accessing health care services outside Brazil, and this is where Caibah will try to help. We understand that the immigrant situation can be difficult for many Brazilians, and that a diagnosis of Hansen’s disease raises doubts and creates difficulties. Mis-understandings about this disease can cause problems and even affect the mental health of affected persons.

We will soon have information on where health workers can diagnose and treat Hansen’s disease in several countries. Wherever possible, we will also be able to provide details and contacts of people living in other countries who can provide support to Brazilians affected by Hansen’s disease.

Immigrants affected by Hansen’s disease, whether diagnosed or not, are in an extremely vulnerable situation, not only because they are ill but also because they are immigrants. This is especially true for involuntary immigrants who have been forced to leave their countries of origin. This category of immigrant often suffers from a slow and painful and process of adjustment, sometimes with very limited resources. They have no documents, relatives or friends; they have communication difficulties; they lack money, legal residence and opportunities. Outdated beliefs in the local population can be a source of stigma against persons affected by Hansen’s disease.

Caibah can help through simple, low-cost actions these Brazilians who live abroad who have been diagnosed or are seeking diagnosis of Hansen’s disease. Caibah aims to contribute by being a multilateral committee that can integrate health care workers and persons affected by Hansen’s disease in a harmonious way, reducing the distance between the parties.

For further information, contact

caibah@infohansen.org