Extending the Philanthropy’s Reach in Brazil

One of the next new clinics of the Shriners Children’s healthcare system may be in São Paulo, Brazil.

This past December, Imperial Sir James E. “Ed” Stolze Jr. and a delegation went to São Paulo to tour and meet with five hospitals that would like to partner with the Shriners Children’s healthcare system and house the new clinic.

The country seems like an attractive locale for the healthcare system and its services. Masonry is thriving in the country. Shriners temples and clubs are growing. Most importantly, the Brazilian temples and clubs are eager to bring Shriners Children’s specialty medical care to their country, Imperial Sir Stolze said.

“They truly want to help kids,” he said. “That is their drive.”

São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil, has a population of 22 million people, about 20% of whom are under the age of 14. Brazil has a national healthcare system, established in 1988, and, on top of it, a private healthcare system, for those who can afford it.

In the years since the founding of the national healthcare system, Brazil has dramatically reduced its infant mortality rate and made great strides in infectious disease control.

However, experts say the country has a distinct shortage of pediatric specialty and subspecialty physicians and care — precisely what Shriners Children’s provides.