Amazon defender Raoni Metuktire in intensive care after emergency surgery in São Paulo
Raoni Metuktire, the indigenous leader who became a global voice for the Amazon, underwent surgery for an intestinal obstruction Saturday and remains in intensive care at the Hospital of the University of São Paulo.
Medical emergency
Raoni Metuktire, 94, was taken to intensive care on Sunday 14 June at a hospital in Sinop, Mato Grosso state, after presenting vomiting, abdominal pain, and coughing up blood. By Friday his condition had worsened, prompting an air transfer to the Hospital of the University of São Paulo. Doctors there diagnosed intestinal obstruction, severe dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia.
The patient is in serious but stable condition.
Surgery and current status
On Saturday, surgeons performed a minimally invasive procedure to clear the obstruction and restore intestinal transit. The hospital reported that the procedure occurred without complications. Raoni remains in the intensive care unit receiving antibiotics and supportive care. No timeline for discharge has been provided.
A global voice for the Amazon
For decades, Raoni has traveled the world urging heads of state, popes, and monarchs to protect the Amazon rainforest. The forest faces accelerating deforestation, river pollution, and climate change pressures. His advocacy earned him international recognition, though he has remained rooted in the Kayapó territory of central Brazil.
Health setbacks
This latest crisis follows two hospital stays in May: first for a hernia, then for respiratory and cardiac problems. At 94, each episode raises concern among supporters and indigenous communities.
- Hospitalised in Sinop with vomiting, abdominal pain, and coughing up blood.
- Transferred to the Hospital of the University of São Paulo with intestinal obstruction, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia; condition serious but stable.
- Underwent minimally invasive surgery to clear the obstruction; procedure without complications.
