Rio de JaneiroIndigenous leader Raoni Metuktire, one of the Amazon rainforest's best-known defenders, was transferred between hospitals Saturday due to weakness and a "worsening" state of health, one of the medical facilities said. Metuktire, a chief of the Kayapo people in northern Brazil, was likely suffering from a digestive haemorrhage, said Santa Ines Hospital, in the small town of Colider in Mato Grosso state, where he was admitted Thursday. French NGO Planete Amazon previously announced that Metuktire was suffering from a general state of weakness. He "started to be sick 15 days ago with fever, diarrhea and vomiting" and was very dehydrated, said Gert-Peter Bruch, president of the association. Metuktire was reportedly in a depressed state following the recent death of his wife of more than 60 years, Bekwyjka, who died in June following a stroke.

Source: Daily Nation July 19, 2020 04:18 UTC