Terapia Comunitária Integrativa e o Projeto 4 Varas: comunidade que cuida

The 4 Varas project combines scientific and popular knowledge in Fortaleza to care for the health of SUS users. Developed by the Integrative Community Therapy (ICT) group of the Community Health Department at the Federal University of Ceará, in partnership with the Municipality of Fortaleza, the experience restores the protagonism of the community by working on the self-esteem of the individual and solving community problems collectively. The doctor, philosopher, theologian and professor, Adalberto de Paula Barreto, explains that ICT uses various integrative practices to strengthen the community. “Based on the problem situation presented, the group points out the cooperation strategy to solve the community's problem. As an example, we worked with healers who were stigmatized and ill. With the support of the project, their skills were recognized and today they participate in community health,” says the professor. “The biggest obstacle to community development is when individuals don't believe in themselves or in others. We seek to reveal the potential of those who suffer, nurture autonomy, and deconstruct attitudes of distrust. Faced with the challenges of the health reality, it is necessary to be bold and utilize resources while respecting differences and integrating knowledge,” argues Barreto. Learn more - www.apsredes.org