This essay reflects on how place (territory), health, and care are connected by looking at the work of community health agents. It explores how health services are organized, how care is often medicalized, and how CHWs help manage cultural meanings in health care. The authors argue that both territory and care are dynamic and shaped by social relationships, not just medical … [Read more...] about Imagining the work of community health workers: notes for a discussion on territory, health and care
Brazil
Learning from the strengths of health care in schools in Brazil & opportunities for contemporary global school health
Schools play a key role in children’s health and learning. This article looks at Brazil’s school health efforts and suggests ways to improve school health programs worldwide. It highlights four main opportunities: (1) clearly defining the role of community health workers in schools, (2) using proven health programs in schools more widely, (3) better coordination of care to help … [Read more...] about Learning from the strengths of health care in schools in Brazil & opportunities for contemporary global school health
An intersectional analysis of the participation of community health workers in matrix support in mental health
This study looked at how gender, race, and education affect the involvement of community health workers in mental health support teams in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Most community health workers were Black women with high school education, while most mental health professionals were white women with college degrees. These differences led to unequal relationships and often excluded … [Read more...] about An intersectional analysis of the participation of community health workers in matrix support in mental health
National Primary Care Policy (2017) and the roles of community health workers
This study examines the new roles of community health workers (CHWs) as outlined in Brazil's 2017 National Primary Care Policy, from the viewpoints of nurses and CHWs. Interviews were conducted between 2021 and 2022. Some professionals believe the new roles give CHWs more autonomy and recognition, while others worry it could reduce the uniqueness of their work or lead to … [Read more...] about National Primary Care Policy (2017) and the roles of community health workers
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of primary care professionals about the food guide for children up to 2 years old: a cross-sectional study, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, 2023
This study looked at the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare professionals in Botucatu, Brazil, about breastfeeding and complementary feeding for children under 2, based on Brazil's food guide. It found that many professionals, including community health workers, nurses, and physicians, had limited knowledge about the guide, especially on complementary foods. … [Read more...] about Knowledge, attitudes and practices of primary care professionals about the food guide for children up to 2 years old: a cross-sectional study, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, 2023