The Bandeira Científica project is a multidisciplinary initiative led by the University of São Paulo that sends students and professionals on expeditions to underserved cities in Brazil to promote public health and infrastructure improvements. The project traces its origins to private expeditions in the 17th-18th centuries that explored Brazil's interior. It has operated in two phases since 1957, expanding beyond medicine to include other fields. In 2006, over 200 participants from the university traveled to Machadinho d'Oeste to conduct over 5,500 medical consultations and other community services over 10 days, and have continued engagement with the city since. The project aims to assess needs, stimulate long-term development, and provide learning experiences for

1. Bandeira Científica Health promotion and sustainability Spessoto, Andrea – Medicine Student Silva, Fernanda – Civil Engineering Student Regina, SK, Canada – May 2008

5. The project’s name The “Bandeiras” were private expeditions which explored the interior lands of Brazil during the 17th and in the early years of 18th century. The expeditions’ members carried flags to identify their origin.

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25. Thank you!

26. Acknowledgments