Universal health systems and territory: challenges for a regional policy in the Brazilian Legal Amazon

This article presents the results of a study on Federal health policy in the Brazilian Legal Amazon (BLA) from 2003 to 2005, aimed at backing the development of regional health policies. The region has peculiar dynamics, an extensive border area, and adverse social indicators. The methodology includ...

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Published in:Cadernos de saúde pública 2007, Vol.23 Suppl 2 (supp 21), p.S117-S131
Main Authors: Viana, Ana Luiza d'Avila, Machado, Cristiani Vieira, Baptista, Tatiana Wargas de Faria, Lima, Luciana Dias de, Mendonça, Maria Helena Magalhães de, Heimann, Luiza S, Albuquerque, Mariana Vercesi, Iozzi, Fabíola Lana, David, Virna Carvalho, Ibañez, Pablo, Frederico, Samuel
Format: Article
Language:Portuguese
Subjects:
Amazon region - Health conditions
Brazil
Brazil - Health policy
Data Collection
Environment
Environmental Health
Federal Government
Geographic Information Systems
Government Agencies
Health Policy
Humans
Local Government
National Health Programs - organization & administration
Public health - Amazon region
Public Policy
Regional Health Planning - organization & administration
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Summary:This article presents the results of a study on Federal health policy in the Brazilian Legal Amazon (BLA) from 2003 to 2005, aimed at backing the development of regional health policies. The region has peculiar dynamics, an extensive border area, and adverse social indicators. The methodology included documental and financial analysis, participatory observation, interviews with heads of various Federal Ministries and State and Municipal health secretaries from the BLA; characterization of geographic situations in the BLA; and field studies in 15 municipalities. Institutional consolidation of health policy proved to be low in the Amazon during the study period, due to structural, institutional, and political difficulties. The identification of six geographic situations was useful for systematizing land use differences with repercussions on health, and which should be considered when implementing public policies. There is a certain gap between Federal actions and territorial dynamics, expressed as a mismatch between the current policy and its recognition by local administrators. In addition to establishing a regional policy for the Amazon, there is an evident need for differentiated policies within the region.
ISSN:0102-311X
DOI:10.1590/S0102-311X2007001400002