Community pharmacies and the promotion of local health care

The area known as the Cerrado makes up nearly 25% of land in Brazil, and is characterised by its very high biodiversity. It is home to an invaluable cultural heritage of traditional knowledge and practices related to the use of its natural resources. The medicinal plants of the Cerrado have always been used for treating family health by individuals, and community groups. Different community groups working with health and the environment from five states came to know of each others' work through various projects and exchanges in the Cerrado in the early 2000s. The Pacari Network was founded in June 2002, currently representing 80 local organisations. It carries out many activities – research, trainings, exchanges, participation in social and environmental movements and policy advocacy.