America News Agency

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva issued a statement regarding the death of former Santos Mayor Telma de Souza, who passed away on Saturday.

Expressing deep sorrow over Telma de Souza's death, Lula said, "A pioneer in many fields, Telma was one of the founders of the Workers' Party and remains the only woman to have governed the city of Santos to this day."

Noting that de Souza left a lasting legacy through her compassionate approach, particularly toward people in need, Lula said, "Our public policies owe a great deal to the many initiatives she championed and implemented."

Lula stated that the mental health services network established in Santos was one of the precursors to the Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS), which now operate throughout Brazil. He also noted that her policies on AIDS prevention and treatment served as a model for policies implemented in the late 1980s in many cities and across the country through the Unified Health System (SUS).

Recalling that Telma de Souza served as a city council member, state legislator, and federal deputy, Lula said, "I am certain that thanks to the public policies Telma implemented, defended, and shaped throughout her political life, many lives were saved and many people received more dignified treatment."

At the end of his statement, Lula extended a message of solidarity to de Souza's family, friends, and colleagues, saying, "I send all of you my solidarity and a warm embrace."