Lula da Silva begins presidential tour of Brazilian states

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva began a series of visits to Brazilian states on Monday, 6 February with his trip to the city of Rio de Janeiro.

In Rio, the country's leader will open a health department to announce "a renewed investment in health care, including a programme to reduce waiting lists for operations", as reported by Prensa Latina, a partner of TV BRICS.

At an event in Rio de Janeiro, where the President will be accompanied by Mayor Eduardo Paes and Brazilian Health Minister Nisia Trindade, the founder of the Workers' Party will participate in the presentation of the so-called National Policy on Reducing Waiting Lists for Elective Operations.

"There are R$600 million (more than $116 million) that we are handing over to the states to speed up operations that were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Chief Minister of Civil Affairs Rui Costa.

The president will also visit the northeastern states of Bahia and Sergipe in the coming days. The head of state is expected to travel to other territorial units after the annual carnival.

Among the investments to be announced during the trips, there is the relaunch of the Agua para Todos (Water for All) programme, which includes preventive measures aimed at combating droughts, such as building cisterns in regions with insufficient rainfall, mainly in rural areas.

In the Bahia town of Santo Amaro, Lula da Silva is due to resume the Minha Casa Minha Vida (My House, My Life) housing programme on 14 February.

The Brazilian leader will also visit Sergipe the following day to take part in the resumption of road works.

State and regional activities were one of the main topics of the president's meeting with 27 governors on 27 January.