Health, happiness of the body. Happiness, health of the soul. The concept symbolizes a broad understanding of health, linked to not only physical, but also social, emotional and environmental well-being. PSA aims to join forces with public policies to guarantee the right to health and increase inclusion of Amazonian communities, making assistance and basic rural services more accessible, with an emphasis on prevention and education, and also using art and recreation to promote “saúde & alegria” (health & happiness) as methods of action.

When PSA first began its activities in Western Pará in the mid-1980s, it was faced with a troubling situation: high maternal and child mortality rates, children dying from diarrhea for drinking untreated water straight from the rivers, and the absence of minimal conditions of sanitation.

Due to their geographic isolation, residents seeking healthcare were forced to travel to the nearest cities, only to face long lines, insufficient services and unaffordable accommodations. With this lack of basic and preventive actions in the communities, primary and simple diseases worsened and led to an emergency health situation in the region.