This archive report was first published on 20 July 2020.
Published on July 20, 2020
Brazil's Indigenous Chief Raoni in Stable Condition ¶
Raoni, a chief of the Kayapo people in northern Brazil, has been hospitalized since Thursday due to weakness, shortness of breath, and poor appetite. He was initially transferred to the Santa Ines Hospital in the small town of Colider in Mato Grosso state.
Tests at the hospital suggested that Raoni was likely suffering from a digestive hemorrhage. He was also tested for COVID-19, and the results came back negative.
After his condition worsened, Raoni was transferred to Dois Pinheiros Hospital in the city of Sinop on Saturday. The hospital said it would run tests to see if Raoni might be suffering from a gastric ulcer, estimating that he would remain at the facility 'at least three days.'
According to Gert-Peter Bruch, the president of French NGO Planete Amazon, Raoni had been depressed after losing his wife of more than 60 years, Bekwyjka, who died in June following a stroke. Bruch stated that Raoni 'started to be sick 15 days ago with fever, diarrhea, and vomiting' and was very dehydrated.
Known for his colorful feather headdresses and the large disc inserted in his lower lip, Raoni has traveled the world raising awareness of the threat posed by destruction of the Amazon.
