In six months, Dermato Saúde reinforces the fight against cancer in AM with 13 thousand exams in the interior

Manaus (AM) – Between June and December 2023, Fundação Hospitalar Alfredo da Mata carried out more than 13 thousand dermatological exams, operated on skin cancer patients and diagnosed new cases of leprosy. The action took place through the Dermato Saúde Amazonas program, which aims to actively search for cases of leprosy and other Neglected Tropical Diseases and dermatology (NTDs), a category of disease considered a priority in the world by the World Health Organization ( WHO).

The target of the action were 12 municipalities, chosen based on epidemiological data, strategic position in the region and service structure. The head of the Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology and coordinator of Dermato Saúde, Valderiza Pedrosa, explains how care takes place.

“We first sent a team of nurses and technicians to do all the qualification screening and team training. In the second week, the team of dermatologists comes to provide dermatological care. When the dermatologist comes, he already does a biopsy, if necessary, collects it and, also, we have a municipality where we are performing dermatological surgeries, the main one is skin cancer”,

explained Valderiza.

The Alfredo da Mata Foundation is a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Leprosy Control, Training and Research for the Americas. In addition to dermatological care, the institution also trained 1,029 professionals, guaranteeing qualifications for diagnosing dermatological diseases in these cities. “Training local teams is extremely important. With the training of local teams, this service is maintained and systematized,” added Valderiza.

The action was carried out in the cities of Presidente Figueiredo, Manacapuru, Coari, Maués, Boca do Acre, Apuí, Manicoré, Humaitá, Tefé, Parintins, Carauari and in the east zone of Manaus. In these municipalities, 72 new cases of leprosy and 276 of skin cancer were diagnosed. Throughout 2024, another 12 new cities should be reached by Dermato Saúde.

Disability prevention

In Manaus, in addition to the medical and nursing care offered by the institution to patients with dermatological diseases, the Disability Prevention Management (GPI) also works to improve the quality of life of the public served.

“The disability prevention sector operates in the areas of prevention and interventions, as well as rehabilitation for patients affected by leprosy. [e outras doenças dermatológicas] and that begin to present some type of sequelae, some type of deformities and pain”,

said Alexandra Costa, sector manager.

“Service is provided from Monday to Friday and is based on the patient’s complaints. If he has a change in sensitivity or loss of strength in his hands, we work on motor strength. If it’s sensitivity, there are dynamics that you can be using to improve the sensitivity part, but it’s all a set,” he added.

Professor Clévia Bindá, 45, is a patient treated by the sector. She was unable to walk for three months, due to psoriatic arthritis, and with the help of Alfredo da Mata’s physiotherapy her quality of life improved. “I slept and when I woke up I woke up without walking. I spent thirteen months trying to figure out why I couldn’t walk. And being able to walk slowly again, trying to have a normal life, is like waking up from a nightmare”, said Clévia.

Clévia spoke of her surprise with the quality of the institution’s service. “I never imagined there would be such a well-equipped government institution. I have never been treated so well. People are extremely supportive. I have nothing to complain about. I didn’t imagine that there would be an institution so well prepared to give you all the support you need”, highlighted the patient.

Performance

In 2023, the Alfredo da Matta Foundation carried out 25.2 thousand medical consultations in General Dermatology in Manaus. The Fuham pharmacy filled 4,300 prescriptions. The 7 specialized laboratories performed 160 thousand procedures. In the area of ​​teaching and research, 6 courses were held in different areas, reaching 1,263 healthcare professionals. Currently, Fuham has 25 Master’s students in Sciences Applied to Dermatology, in partnership with the State University of Amazonas (UEA). Currently, 18 master’s and doctoral studies are underway, linked to Fuham, with support from the Amazonas Research Support Foundation (Fapeam) and other research support institutions.

*With information from consultancy

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