University extension and indigenous health: experience report in the Karitiana village

Abstract

Objective: To report the experience of a university extension project focused on indigenous health care, emphasizing nursing practices and specific challenges in cultural and geographical contexts.
Experience report: The extension project took place in Kyõwã Village, 100 km from Porto Velho, as part of the Salus Project in partnership with the Brazilian Army. Nursing consultations included childcare, developmental evaluations, and health education. Cultural barriers, such as restrictions on physical touch and blood collection, required sensitive and respectful approaches. Logistical challenges, including poor road conditions, were addressed through planning and intersectoral collaboration. Final considerations: The experience emphasized the importance of developing cultural competencies among health professionals to meet the specific needs of indigenous communities. It also highlighted the need to overcome access barriers, both logistical and cultural, to ensure integrality and equity in care, core principles of SUS. The project enabled students to understand the complexities of indigenous healthcare and the importance of sustainable strategies to deliver humanized care aligned with the cultural and geographical needs of the population.