projects

Greater healthcare access for Indigenous communities through interpretation app

Ongoing
A woman demonstrates something on a smartphone to several others
Start Date
Total Project Cost
USD 42,000.000
Country
Brazil
Project Team
UNHCR Brazil

Challenge

In Brazil, Warao refugees often face linguistic and cultural barriers to accessing information and essential services, including healthcare. A lack of specialized interpreters at clinics can result in workarounds that compromise security and confidentiality.

Solution

Expanding and enhancing interpretation services provided by the mobile app LUA (developed by Nacional University of Brasilia with the support of UNHCR and partners) to cover Belém municipality’s health sector. Enlarge the pool of Warao interpreters and build the capacity of health workers to improve intercultural dialogue.

Impact

By addressing both linguistic and cultural barriers, the project aims to ensure displaced Indigenous communities can safely enjoy their rights and access essential services, resulting in improved health and social protection outcomes.

Project impact

20
refugees trained as community interpreters, strengthening local capacity
45
users engaged in real-world testing of the app alongside health workers & interpreters
6
health facilities in Belém (inc. primary care & mental health units) included in pilot

Other information

Strengthened recognition and professionalization of Warao interpreters, including five interpreters sponsored to support the National Conference for Refugees and Migrants (COMIGRAR) in Brasília.
 
This initiative achieved global visibility; it was showcased at a UN 2.0 event during the UN General Assembly and selected as a key UN innovation.
 
Find out more in a UNHCR Brazil webstory and in the video below.