Matis Support Fund - Anti-venom kits and other health care needs

The Matis Indians live deep in the Amazon jungle in the far western corner of Brazil. Their protected territory, the Javari Valley,  is the size of the state of Maine and is home to the largest number of 'uncontacted' tribes in the world. The Matis made contact with outsiders in 1976 and shortly thereafter were nearly wiped out due to exposure to ‘foreign’ diseases. They now live in three separate villages with a total population of roughly 520.

A small group visited the Matis twice in 2018 during the rainy and dry seasons.  The Matis people are working to maintain their culture and autonomy as the modern world comes closer and more threatening to their way of life. This fund has been set up to provide anti-venom kits and other community health care needs as determined by the Matis themselves.

One anti-venom dose costs $85. Two doses are often required to provide initial protection while the patient is being transported to the nearest hospital as much as 5 days away by boat. Initially we would like a pair of doses in each of the 4 villages and in a stop off point on the way downriver for help. These medications have a limited shelf life and need to be replaced every 12 months.  Other community health needs are being identified and will be included here in the near future.

Snake bites pose a serious risk to life.  Anti-venom kits are difficult to acquire, transport and store.  In 2017 the Matis Shaman was killed by a snake bite because a helicopter was not available for rescue.   As we raise funds we will communicate to our donors on a regular basis how the funds are being used.

To learn more about the Matis people watch the recent virtual presentation by Carl Parris about his experiences on two visits in 2018.   Search  'Meet the Matis - Adaptation and Endurance in Amazonia' on YouTube.com or go to:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-t6YYH6Nhq0&t=2s