Zilda Arns

Zilda Arns Neumann

Name	Zilda Arns Neumann
Birth name
Birth date	25 August 1934
Birth place	Forquilhinha, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Death date	12 January 2010
Death place	Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Alma mater
Occupation	Pediatrician, Public Health Advocate
Years active
Organization
Known for	Founder of Pastoral da Criança
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Zilda Arns Neumann (25 August 1934 – 12 January 2010) was a renowned Brazilian pediatrician and public health advocate, best known for founding the Pastoral da Criança, a Catholic organization focused on improving child health and reducing infant mortality in Brazil and other countries.

Early Life and Education

Zilda Arns was born in Forquilhinha, a small town in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. She was the twelfth of thirteen children in a devout Catholic family. Her brother, Dom Paulo Evaristo Arns, became a prominent cardinal in the Catholic Church.

Arns pursued her medical education at the Federal University of Paraná, where she graduated with a degree in medicine. She specialized in pediatrics and public health, driven by a passion to improve the health and well-being of children and families.

Career and Contributions

After completing her education, Zilda Arns worked in various public health roles, focusing on maternal and child health. Her work in the field of pediatrics and public health led her to recognize the critical need for community-based health interventions.

Founding of Pastoral da Criança

In 1983, Zilda Arns founded the Pastoral da Criança (Children's Pastoral) with the support of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil. The organization aimed to reduce child mortality and improve the health of children and pregnant women through community-based initiatives. The program utilized a network of volunteers to educate families on nutrition, health care, and disease prevention.

The success of Pastoral da Criança in Brazil led to its expansion into other countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The organization became a model for community health programs worldwide, demonstrating the effectiveness of grassroots health interventions.

Advocacy and Impact

Zilda Arns was a vocal advocate for children's rights and public health. She participated in numerous international conferences and forums, sharing her experiences and insights on community health strategies. Her work earned her several national and international awards, recognizing her contributions to public health and child welfare.

Death and Legacy

Zilda Arns died tragically in the 2010 Haiti earthquake while on a humanitarian mission. Her death was a significant loss to the global health community, but her legacy continues through the ongoing work of Pastoral da Criança and other organizations inspired by her vision.

Arns's approach to public health, emphasizing community involvement and education, remains influential in the field. Her life's work has inspired countless health professionals and volunteers to continue the fight against child mortality and to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Also see

• Pastoral da Criança
• Public health
• Child mortality
• Community health
• Haiti earthquake