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Chief Raoni, 93, hospitalized in ICU with pneumonia and respiratory problems

2 sources · 18 May 2026
2 agreed · 1 partial · 1 conflicts

Chief Raoni Metuktire, 93, has been hospitalized in the ICU of Hospital Dois Pinheiros in Sinop (MT) since Thursday (May 14) with pneumonia and respiratory problems. The Kayapó indigenous leader has a stable clinical condition but multiple pre-existing comorbidities that complicate treatment.

Press quotes (1)
Cnn Brasil

"O cacique Raoni Metuktire, de 93 anos, está internado com problemas respiratórios na UTI (Unidade de Terapia Intensiva) do Hospital Dois Pinheiros em Sinop, em Mato Grosso. O líder indígena tem quadro clínico estável, segundo o último boletim médico divulgado pela unidade hospitalar. Ele está hospitalizado desde essa quinta-feira (14)."

According to a statement from Hospital Dois Pinheiros, Raoni has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart disease with an implantable cardiac pacemaker, and heart failure. During the current hospitalization, he developed an exacerbation of respiratory symptoms associated with COPD, remaining under multidisciplinary care with teams from pulmonology, cardiology, general surgery, and respiratory physiotherapy.

Press quotes (2)
Cnn Brasil

"O Hospital Dois Pinheiros informa que o paciente apresenta múltiplas comorbidades pré-existentes, entre elas, Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica (DPOC), além de cardiopatia com marcapasso cardíaco implantável e insuficiência cardíaca."

Cnn Brasil

"Durante a internação, evoluiu com exacerbação do quadro respiratório associado à DPOC, permanecendo sob acompanhamento multidisciplinar envolvendo as equipes de pneumologia, cardiologia, cirurgia geral do aparelho digestivo e fisioterapia respiratória."

This is Raoni's second hospitalization at the same hospital in May. As reported by the press, he spent five days at Hospital Dois Pinheiros earlier this month for hernia treatment after experiencing abdominal pain. The chief returned to the hospital on Thursday after new clinical discomfort, in a hospitalization described by the medical team as a "preventive measure".

Press quotes (1)
Brasil de Fato

"Raoni tem 94 anos e passou cinco dias no mesmo hospital no início do mês de maio após sentir dores abdominais e foi tratado de uma hérnia. Na última quinta (14), ele retornou ao centro médico após novo mal-estar clínico."

Raoni is one of Brazil's main indigenous leaders, having gained notoriety in the 1970s when campaigning against the construction of the Trans-Amazonian highway during the military dictatorship. He was recently awarded the Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit, Brazil's highest state honor, in recognition of his work defending indigenous peoples and environmental protection.

Press quotes (1)
O Liberal

"Uma das mais importantes lideranças indígenas do planeta, Raoni foi recentemente condecorado com a Grã-Cruz da Ordem Nacional do Mérito, maior honraria do Estado brasileiro, em reconhecimento ao trabalho em favor dos povos originários e da proteção do meio ambiente."

1. What we know (2)

Chief Raoni is hospitalized in ICU at Hospital Dois Pinheiros in Sinop (MT) since Thursday (05/14)

2 sources Brasil de Fato O Liberal

Raoni has a history of COPD and uses a cardiac pacemaker

2 sources Brasil de Fato O Liberal
2. Where coverage thins out (2)

Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.

Covered by only some sources (1)

Raoni showed clinical improvement on Sunday (05/17) with increased oxygen saturation

Reported by: O Liberal
Did not cover: Brasil de Fato

Conflicting versions (1)

Chief Raoni's age

1 source — "Raoni is 94 years old": Brasil de Fato
1 source — "Raoni is 93 years old": O Liberal
3. What we don't know yet (3)
  • What is the specific medical prognosis and estimated timeframe for hospital discharge?

    Why it's still unknown: Medical bulletins report the condition is stable but provide no estimate of hospitalization duration or detailed prognosis

    Did not cover: Brasil de Fato O Liberal
  • What indigenous leadership activities or commitments were suspended due to hospitalization?

    Why it's still unknown: Sources do not report on Raoni's agenda or political/institutional activities that may have been affected

    Did not cover: Brasil de Fato O Liberal
  • How does the medical care protocol for indigenous leaders in remote regions work?

    Why it's still unknown: No information about SESAI's role or specific indigenous health care protocols mentioned by sources

    Did not cover: Brasil de Fato O Liberal

All sources

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