TARGET makes history: Yanomami clinic opens in the middle of the Amazon rainforest

6. September 2025 - Brazil's first indigenous clinic has opened in the heart of the Yanomami territory, in the village of Surucucu: TARGET's Yanomami Hospital. In the middle of the rainforest, around 1.5 hours by plane from Boa Vista, 13,000 Yanomami are now receiving the medical help they so urgently need.

Sophie Weber, Board of Directors TARGET e. V.: "I remember when a call came from Brasília a year ago: 'We need TARGET. If there's one organization we trust to build a hospital in this remote place, it's you. Could you imagine building a Yanomami hospital? For us, this call was like an accolade. And for Annette, Roman and me, it was immediately clear: yes."

The clinic is unique: modern technology, high medical standards and the possibility to treat up to 190 inpatients on 2,000 square meters.

Joint effort

The Yanomami Clinic is the result of close cooperation:

- TARGET e. V.: planning, construction management and 50% of the financing

- the Brazilian NGO CUFA (Central Única das Favelas, Brazil): 50% of the funding

- Brazilian Ministry of Health: assumption of transportation, provision of personnel, equipment and medicines.

The transport of the material deliveries to Surucucu required a logistical feat: around 400 flights with small aircraft to bring the material (approx. 470 tons) into the rainforest.

Dr. Alexandre Padilha, Minister of Health of Brazil: "We are experiencing a great change. We are ending the genocide that this people were subjected to. Before, medically speaking, there was a war-like state here. The Yanomami were absolutely neglected. Now things have changed: specialized examinations, modern equipment, ultrasound, resuscitation equipment, laboratory, blood tests with results in less than 30 minutes! That is investment. We are protecting the Yanomami and thus our riches, our Brazil."

Building and team on site

The construction took just 13 months and was led by TARGET's trusty civil engineer Brayan Reys and master builder Hosti José. The result is a hospital specially adapted to the conditions in remote Amazon regions. Built using light steel frame technology. This was because the dimensions of each component were limited to a maximum of four meters in order to fit into the small aircraft.

Why this clinic is so urgent

The health situation of the Yanomami was dramatic: In 2023, a humanitarian emergency was declared. 800 children died from largely preventable causes, particularly from illegal gold mining activities. Through a large-scale operation by the Brazilian authorities, 98% of gold prospectors were removed from the area. TARGET's clinic in Surucucu is a sign of a new beginning. It is intended to help prevent such tragedies from happening again. In the year of TARGET's 25th anniversary, it is also a bridge back to its origins. Because in the 1980s/90s, TARGET founder Rüdiger Nehberg's commitment to human rights began right here: with the Yanomami - and 40,000 gold prospectors.

Ceremonial opening

The opening started with traditional Yanomami dances. The ceremony was also attended by the Brazilian Minister of Health, Dr. Alexandre Padilha, as well as representatives from Brasília and the state of Roraima. From CUFA, the founders Celso Athayde and Preto Zeze as well as directors were on site. TARGET board members Annette Nehberg, Roman Weber and Sophie Weber were present on behalf of TARGET.

Hekurari Yanomami, Chairman of the indigenous organization Urihi: "I have fought a lot for the well-being of my Yanomami people. Today I see the joy of the chiefs, women, young people and children. They are dancing to receive the hospital. I would like to thank you all for this! You have made a great dream of my people come true. New dreams will be born here, new paths and a new future to see our villages revive."

A milestone for Brazil

The Yanomami Clinic in Surucucu stands for more than medical care: it is a symbol of partnership, respect for indigenous life and the ability to provide high-quality health care even in regions that are difficult to access.

Impressions

The Yanomami welcome the clinic with traditional dances.

Traditionally decorated for the opening.

TARGET board member Sophie Weber and Hekurari Yanomami.

In conversation with Dr. Alexandre Padilha, Hekurari Yanomami and the chairmen of CUFA.

Impressive dances.

The TARGET Board welcomes the Minister of Health, Dr. Alexandre Padilha.

The Minister of Health with the TARGET Board of Directors.

Greeting by Yanomami women

On the way to visit the hospital.

The governor of the state of Roraima also traveled to the event and is greeted by Yanomami women

More about the Yanomami