Interview
A chat with Amanda Monteiro Interview conducted by Thomas Pfyffer
The "Geistlich Charity Walk & Run" found an NGO (non-government organization/charity) in “Turma do Bem” that deserves full support. And in the person of Amanda Monteiro, Geistlich has a competent and motivating project collaborator. Ms. Monteiro, you have been working with “Turma do Bem” since 2015. What does this NGO do? A. Monteiro: Turma do Bem supports the vulnerable population, including teenagers and female victims of violence with serious oral health problems. Our mission is to make dental treatments available to those affected by all forms of abuse that leave marks on the body, face, and mind. In the last 18 years, the Apolônias program of Turma do Bem has helped more than 80 000 victims of violence.
the current context of the pandemic, the Charity Walk & Run initiative helped us continue our services in 2021, when it was very hard to raise funds due to the current crisis. Thank you so much, again!
How are Geistlich Pharma’s donations used in concrete terms? Thanks to the Geistlich Charity initiative, we can cover the costs of dental treatment for about 50 female victims of violence. Edentulism or having poor dental health change every aspect of life and well-being, the ability to find a job, or even being loved. These women will get their dignity and self-esteem back. It is no exaggeration to say these donations change lives. What is your wish for the year 2021? The coronavirus pandemic has drastically affected the lives of the poorest people in Brazil. We are concerned about very basic things for this population. I hope that we can change this and build a world in which everyone can smile.
How did the Greek god Apollo come to be in the name of your program? The program was named after Saint Apollonia. She died in 248 in Alexandria, after being arrested, tortured, and all her teeth being violently pulled out or shattered. She is popularly regarded as the patroness of dentistry. Where do you see the greatest need for action for “Turma do Bem” in the future? The great need is to meet the countless requests of women who have been victims of violence. Also, we need to keep our volunteers, a network of more than 17 400 dentists, engaged in the program.
What conclusions do you draw from your cooperation with Geistlich to date? Geistlich is a company with real social responsibility. It has been supporting the Apolônias do Bem program in Brazil for about two years, both financially and through the donation of biomaterials. In
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GEISTLICH NEWS 1-2021
Monteiro is a social scientist and has been in charge of institutional relations of Turma do Bem since 2015. Also, she is manager of the “Apolônias do Bem” and “Dentista do Bem” projects.
Photo: Gustavo Aquino
What impact did the corona pandemic have on the cause you are pursuing with the “Apolonias do Bem” program? In Brazil every two minutes a woman becomes a victim of domestic violence. The number increased by 50 % during the lockdown period, and thus increased the number of requests for dental treatment. Psychologists say, tension due to social isolation, especially if women live with a violent male partner, and separation from their relatives and friends in this period, all contribute to the rising number of victims.
