Ana Lucia de Moura Pontes

Community health workers programme in Luanda, Angola: an evaluation of the implementation process

BackgroundThe Community Health Workers (CHWs) Programme was launched in Luanda, Angola, in 2007 as an initiative of the provincial government. The aim of this study was to assess its implementation process.MethodsThis is a case study with documental analysis, CHWs reports data, individual interviews and focus groups.ResultsUntil June 2009, the programme had placed in the community 2,548 trained CHWs, providing potential coverage for 261,357 families. Analysis of qualitative data suggested an association of CHWs with improvements in maternal and child access to health care, as well as an increase in the demand for health services, generating further need to improve service capacity. Nevertheless, critical points for programme sustainability were identified.ConclusionsFor continuity and scaling up, the programme needs medium- and long-term technical, political and financial support. The results of this study may be useful in strengthening and reformulating the planning of the CHWs programme in Luanda and in Angola. Moreover, the lessons learned with this experience can also provide insight for the development of CHWs programmes in other parts of the world. By means of cooperation, Brazil has supported the implementation of this CHWs programme and can potentially contribute to its improvement.ResumoIntroduçãoO Programa de Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (PACS) de Luanda iniciou em Luanda, Angola, em 2007, como iniciativa do governo provincial. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o seu processo de implantação.MétodosRealizamos um estudo de caso com análise documental, registros das fichas de avaliação dos ACS, entrevistas individuais e grupos focais.ResultadosAté junho de 2009, o PACS de Luanda chegou a 2.548 ACS treinados, proporcionando cobertura potencial para 261.357 famílias. Por meio dos dados qualitativos, observou-se associação do ACS com ampliação do acesso aos cuidados de saúde, principalmente de mães e crianças, e aumento da demanda nos serviços de saúde, gerando necessidade de maior capacidade de resposta. No entanto, pontos críticos em relação à sustentabilidade do programa foram identificados.ConclusõesPara sua continuidade e ampliação, o Programa precisa de suporte técnico e apoio político e financeiro a médio e longo prazo. Os resultados deste estudo podem ser direcionados para reforçar e reformular o planejamento das ações do PACS de Luanda e de Angola. Além disso, os aprendizados que partem desta experiência podem servir de subsídio para o desenvolvimento de programas de ACS em outras partes do mundo. Por meio da cooperação, o Brasil apoiou a implantação do PACS de Luanda e tem potencial para contribuir na sua evolução.

Reflexões sobre questões morais na relação de indígenas com os serviços de saúde

Medical systems are culturally adapted and may have negative impacts on those that do not share these bases. We discussed the indigenous perspective on moral issues in the relation with health services in the region of Alto Rio Negro/Amazonas/Brazil. It was a qualitative research that used participant observation and interviews in two communities in the region of Alto Rio Negro as techniques. The transfer to health services in urban areas was identified as the main moral issue for the Indians in the region. The diversity of traditions, cultures and values of the indigenous people influence their morality and clinical decisions to be made, what used to be little understood by health professionals. In the relationship between health professionals and indigenous users it was clear the shock between different habits and the configuration of a relation between moral strangers. These facts hinder the dialogue to solve conflicts.

O modelo de atenção diferenciada nos Distritos Sanitários Especiais Indígenas: reflexões a partir do Alto Rio Negro/AM, Brasil

The implementation of the National Policy for Healthcare of Indigenous Peoples (Pnaspi) in the Alto Rio Negro Amazon region was analyzed based on the principles of the differentiated care model. This theme was investigated from three perspectives, namely the formulation of the guidelines, the therapeutic itineraries in indigenous villages, and the work routines of the Indigenous Community Health Agents (AIS). It involved qualitative research based on the anthropological perspective of Eduardo Menendez. The techniques used were participant observation, interviews, and, document analysis. The formulation of the guidelines of differentiated care emphasizes the adaptation of technologies and professionals, minimizing the coexistence and disputes among healthcare models. Menendezs perspective focused on the viewpoint of the subjects was crucial for identifying the coexistence and articulation among different forms of care in the villages through the healthcare itineraries. Nevertheless, it was not possible to identify the inclusion of indigenous health practices and representations through the work routines of the Indigenous Community Health Agents (AIS). The focus was on self-care developed and practiced by the subjects and their families.The implementation of the National Policy for Healthcare of Indigenous Peoples (Pnaspi) in the Alto Rio Negro Amazon region was analyzed based on the principles of the differentiated care model. This theme was investigated from three perspectives, namely the formulation of the guidelines, the therapeutic itineraries in indigenous villages, and the work routines of the Indigenous Community Health Agents (AIS). It involved qualitative research based on the anthropological perspective of Eduardo Menéndez. The techniques used were participant observation, interviews, and, document analysis. The formulation of the guidelines of differentiated care emphasizes the adaptation of technologies and professionals, minimizing the coexistence and disputes among healthcare models. Menéndezs perspective focused on the viewpoint of the subjects was crucial for identifying the coexistence and articulation among different forms of care in the villages through the healthcare itineraries. Nevertheless, it was not possible to identify the inclusion of indigenous health practices and representations through the work routines of the Indigenous Community Health Agents (AIS). The focus was on self-care developed and practiced by the subjects and their families.

Reflexiones sobre cuestiones morales en la relación de indígenas con los servicios de salud

Medical systems are culturally adapted and may have negative impacts on those that do not share these bases. We discussed the indigenous perspective on moral issues in the relation with health services in the region of Alto Rio Negro/Amazonas/Brazil. It was a qualitative research that used participant observation and interviews in two communities in the region of Alto Rio Negro as techniques. The transfer to health services in urban areas was identified as the main moral issue for the Indians in the region. The diversity of traditions, cultures and values of the indigenous people influence their morality and clinical decisions to be made, what used to be little understood by health professionals. In the relationship between health professionals and indigenous users it was clear the shock between different habits and the configuration of a relation between moral strangers. These facts hinder the dialogue to solve conflicts.

Reflection on moral issues in the relation between indigenous people and health services

Medical systems are culturally adapted and may have negative impacts on those that do not share these bases. We discussed the indigenous perspective on moral issues in the relation with health services in the region of Alto Rio Negro/Amazonas/Brazil. It was a qualitative research that used participant observation and interviews in two communities in the region of Alto Rio Negro as techniques. The transfer to health services in urban areas was identified as the main moral issue for the Indians in the region. The diversity of traditions, cultures and values of the indigenous people influence their morality and clinical decisions to be made, what used to be little understood by health professionals. In the relationship between health professionals and indigenous users it was clear the shock between different habits and the configuration of a relation between moral strangers. These facts hinder the dialogue to solve conflicts.

O agente comunitário de saúde em angola: desafios para sua atuação e para a formação profissional em saúde

The Brazilian experience of training and working with Community Health Workers was the basis for the implementation of the Community Health Workers Program by the Provincial Health Directorate in Luanda, Angola. This article reports on an exploratory visit carried out in 2009 to the municipalities of Cacuaco, Cazenga, Kilamba-Kiaxi, Samba, Sambizanga and Viana, with a view to understanding the health perceptions and practices of community health workers in Angola. This visit aimed to gather information that would engender a discussion on technical cooperation between Brazilian institutions and the coordination of the Program of Community Health Workers to strengthen the professional education of the Program. We have found similarities and differences between the Angolan experience and the Brazilian one, and we believe that the main challenges to be faced in Angola are the institutionalization of the program, the regularization of employment relationships and the professional qualifications of the community health workers.

Iniciação à educação politécnica em saúde: uma proposta de formação de técnicos em saúde

The Joaquim Venâncio Polytechnic School of Health, which belongs to the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (EPSJV/Fiocruz), has polytechnics as an axis for its technical formation, also incorporating research as an educational principle and education of sensibility, of the senses, and of feelings as its basic premises. These premises, articulated with the concept of work as an educational principle, are the base for a political and pedagogic project that fights against a historically hegemonic worker qualification project. The article reports on the experience of elaborating a first semester of technical qualification for EPSJV students, common in all technical accreditations, and that seeks to develop critical knowledge about the field of health with emphasis on Public Health. Created in 2002, the Basic Module, the first strategy with this objective, was evaluated in 2006 and turned into the Initiation to Polytechnic Education in Health in the following year. This report also reflected critically on such process.