Brazil and Maternal Health

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Brazil & Maternal Health: Brazil is the largest country in South America and is the fifth largest nation in the world, with a land mass of about 8,514,877 sq. km and a population of approximately 201,009,622 people (The World Factbook). The Amazon Rainforest accounts for a large part of this area, which is home to a majority of the indigenous people. Brazil also accounts for nearly one-third of Latin America’s population (Encyclopedia Britannica). The country gained its independence in 1822, from Portugal. It operated under a monarchical system of government until the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the subsequent proclamation of a republic by the military in 1889 (WFB). In addition to providing free primary care, surgery and medication, SUS also provides a Family Health Program, where doctors and nurses visit households to provide services. Thanks to its natural resources and a large supply of labor, it serves as South America's leading economic power (WFB). However, income disparities and lack of available resources for all the countries inhabitants continue to be a problem. Brazil has the fastest growing and strongest economy in Latin America, and has the world’s seventh largest economy (World Bank). However, roughly 14 percent of the population lives on less than $2(US) a day (World Bank). Brazil has the single largest concentration of rural poverty in Latin America with nearly half of those people living in rural areas (Rural Poverty). There are five macro regions in Brazil: the North, Northeast, Central-West, Southeast and the South, with the North region (Encyclopedia Britannica). The Northeast region, has some of the nation’s driest and hottest conditions. This region also accounts for one-fifth of the nation’s agri... ... middle of paper ... ...ecember 7, 2013, from http://www.ruralpovertyportal.org/country/home/tags/brazil 13. Tedesco, R., Sousa, M., Jr., R. P., Cecatti, J., Camargo, R., & Pacagnella, R. (2013, November 1). Estimation of Preterm Birth Rate, Associated Factors and Maternal Morbidity From a Demographic and Health Survey in Brazil - Springer.Estimation of Preterm Birth Rate, Associated Factors and Maternal Morbidity From a Demographic and Health Survey in Brazil - Springer. Retrieved December 6, 2013, from http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10995-012-1177-6/fulltext.html 14. MD, C. V., MD, E. A., Carmo Leal, MD, M. d., Monteiro, C., Barros, F., & Szwarcwald, C. (2011). Maternal and child health in Brazil: progress and challenges. The Lancet, 377(9780, 28 May–3 June 2011), 1863–1876. Retrieved December 6, 2013, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673611601384

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