Ever wondered about the origin of the name Butantã? It comes from the Tupi language and means crushed soil. Butantã is a district in the west region of São Paulo. It covers approximately 12.5 square kilometers. Around 48,040 people live here.
We are standing in Butantã. Once, this region was a route for pioneers. Jesuit priests also traveled to the countryside through here. Farms dominated the landscape. One of these farms, Butantã farm, later became the Butantã Institute.
Let’s talk about the Butantã Institute. It is the largest manufacturer of vaccines and serums in Latin America. This institute is a major producer of immunobiologicals in Brazil. It produces around 65% of the vaccines distributed through SUS. These vaccines are part of the National Immunization Program. The institute also produces 100% of the vaccines against influenza viruses. These are used in the National Influenza Vaccination Campaign.
The Butantã Institute officially became an autonomous institute in 1901. It was formerly named Instituto Serumtherápico. The Butantã Institute played a crucial role in fighting the bubonic plague outbreak. This outbreak occurred in the coastal city of Santos. The disease affected public health and São Paulo State’s economic potential. Dr. Vital Brazil Mineiro da Campanha diagnosed the first cases. He was the first director of the Butantã Institute.
Vital Brazil was born in 1865 in Minas Gerais. He gained international recognition for his work at the institute. His work included the production and distribution of vaccines. He also helped propagate scientific knowledge.
Over more than a hundred years, many buildings were constructed here. These buildings met the institute’s needs for research, diffusion, and production. The compound has historical and architectural importance. Therefore, it is a state historical protected heritage.
In 1941, the Butantã Institute gave a significant portion of its land. This land was for the installation of the University City of the University of São Paulo or USP.
Today, Butantã is also home to the main campus of the University of São Paulo. The Butantã district is served by Line 4 Yellow of the São Paulo Metro. You can reach here via the Butantã Station. This station was inaugurated in 2011. The São Paulo–Morumbi Station is also nearby. It is located on the border with the Morumbi district.
Remember Butantã. It is a place of history, science, and education. It is a vital part of São Paulo.