Bolsonaro gov't swears in its third health minister

Brazil officially swore in ministration's third Health Minister on Wednesday, formally signing in a military general with health credentials to run sprawling Federal health department.

General Eduardo Pazuello was sworn in with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and assembled government officials applauding in a formal ceremony at Planalto Palace in country's capital.

Pazzuello trained as a parachutist at Agujas Negras Military Acemy and specialized in aero policies and strategies. He was a logistics expert in military, with almost experience in health field.

He becomes health minister after two previous minsters resigned from Bolsonaro government after clashing with president over health policy.

Brazil has third largest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in world, over 4 million, with 133,000 deaths to date. Patchwork health policies throughout country have contributed to high numbers of infections.

President Bolsonaro has consistently downplayed virus, dismissing it as a "small flu," and touting unproven treatments like hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug most experts dismiss as ineffective as a treatment for COVID-19.