Zilda Arns

Brazilian pediatrician who revolutionized child mortality prevention through community health programs.

Dr. Zilda Arns Neumann (1934–2010) was a medical pioneer who reshaped public health in Brazil. After losing her sister to meningitis and her brother to political violence, Arns dedicated her life to saving children. In 1983, she founded Pastoral da Criança (Pastoral Care for Children), a community-based network that trained volunteers to monitor child health and nutrition in impoverished areas.

Her model reduced child mortality by 60% in regions where Pastoral operated, using low-cost solutions like oral rehydration salts and breastfeeding education. Arns emphasized 'the power of simple acts', such as weighing babies monthly and educating mothers. By 2010, Pastoral da Criança reached over 1.8 million families across Brazil and inspired similar programs in 20 countries.

In 2010, Arns died tragically during a humanitarian mission in Haiti, but her legacy endures. She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times and remains a symbol of compassion-driven innovation. Explore her impact in this WHO report.