Jequitinhonha is a municipality located in the northeast of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. The population as of 2007 was estimated to be 23,982 people living in a total area of 3,518 km². Jequitinhonha is located on the river of the same name. One of Brazil's culturally richest regions, the Jequitinhonha Valley in Minas Gerais, is also among its economically poorest; so poor in fact that two of its principal cities, Araçuaí and Itinga, figured on Brazilian president Lula da Silva's "misery tour" of the country at the beginning of his term in January 2003. Yet here, you encounter Brazilian culture in an intimate way nearly impossible in the major tourist centers and enjoy contact with people you would scarcely have a chance to meet as a tourist.
The main economic activities are cattle raising and the cultivation of coffee, sugarcane and corn. There were 2 banking agencies as of 2007. In the same year there were 699 automobiles, which was a ratio of one automobile for every 30 people. There is approximately 1 tractor for every 40 farms. There were 88,000 head of cattle in 2006.[2]
This municipality is isolated from major population centers and suffers from drought and poor soils.
Illiteracy rate: 33.68% (15 years old or older); the rate for Brazil was 13.63%
Health centers and hospitals: 8 health centers and 1 hospital with 76 beds[4]
The Jequitinhonha Valley is not an easy destination to reach, being well off the beaten path.
We will fly from JFK in New York City to Rio. The flight will be overnight on Tuesday. The Brazilian Air Force will fly us from Rio to Jequitinhonha.
The Eye Team will consist of 4 doctors (3 American and 1 Danish), 2 opticians, and several other assistants. We plan to see at least 1400 people for eye exams in 6 days in five different communities. Roads are very poor and become impassable in the rain, so each day will have alternate plans in case of rain.
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