Abstract
This study analyzes how the National Policy on Comprehensive Health of the Black Population (PNSIPN) has been implemented in three municipalities in the state of Bahia, Brazil. This qualitative study is part of an ongoing action research, in which semi-structured interviews were performed with 27 professionals from family health, primary health care, and health district headquarters. Content analysis presented four categories: primary health care (PHC); Black health; health care in diversity; and PNSIPN. Health professionals showed a superficial understanding of PHC, despite recognizing it as a gateway. A specific health care for the Black population was considered irrelevant, on the grounds that everyone is equal. Diversity was linked to the LGBTQIA+ population and life cycles, but not to ethnicity or skin color. All municipalities lacked knowledge about the PNSIPN and the practical means to implement it in their daily work. Its absence in the services’ planning and work processes shows an urgent need for permanent education in health so that managers and professional can appropriate the principle of equity.
Keywords:
Health Care; Health Equity; Black Population; Public Policy