The poem above was written by Arlindo da Cunha Campello. Entitled ‘My ego and the desire’, it is based on a poem by Ricardo Reis and was written as part of a Writing Workshop in 2002 as one of the many activities of the Local Action Group's efforts in Brazil.

Establishing the programme

The number of individuals living with schizophrenia in Brazil is estimated at roughly 1.7 million. From 1984 to 1996, the health care system reduced the number of psychiatric beds by 36%. Unfortunately, the development of community-based services, while gradually improving, are grossly underfunded. Most health care services for the mentally ill are provided by the private sector.

The majority of Brazilians have poor access to health care and those who do report a poor quality of care. The human rights of the mentally ill, as well as the under-diagnosis of mental illnesses have yet to be adequately addressed by public health policies and services.

According to Dr Cecília Villares, programme coordinator of the Local Action Group in Brazil: ‘For many, prejudice and discrimination constitute an everyday experience.