Volunteer doctors offer medical care in Rio favela

A group of volunteer doctors visited a Rio de Janeiro favela on Saturday to offer medical help to its residents. The visit was part of a social initiative for Children's Day that's celebrated in Brazil on 12 October.

The three-year-old project normally organises a party for children living in the Chapadão shanty town, bringing in toys and food for the children.

This year, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, free medical help was also part of the visit.

Many people in Rio de Janeiro refrain from seeking medical help in public hospitals for conditions unrelated to COVID-19.

"This action today makes it easier for us to have preventive care", said Andrieli de Almeida, a 23 year-old resident of the Chapadão favela.

She said that she was concerned about going to a hospital because most of them are still full.

Brazil surpassed 5.2 million confirmed cases with no end in sight and medical personnel are still overwhelmed by the human toll of the pandemic.

Experts say until a vaccine is developed and deployed, the death toll will continue to rise, and Brazil will remain vulnerable to the ravages of the pandemic.