Bolivian migration and Chagas disease: boundaries for the action of the Brazilian National Health System (SUS)

migracaoboliviana

Abstract

CARNEIRO JUNIOR, Nivaldo; SILVEIRA, Cássio; SILVA, Lia Maria Brito da  and  YASUDA, Maria Aparecida Shikanai.

Bolivian migration and Chagas disease: boundaries for the action of the Brazilian National Health System (SUS).

Interface (Botucatu) [online]. 2018, vol.22, n.64, pp.87-96.  Epub June 05, 2017. ISSN 1414-3283.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1807-57622016.0338.

Migration provoke changes in epidemiological profiles impinging on the health care systems of reception countries. Immigrants come to Brazil from neighbor countries usually having precarious insertion in metropolitan areas. Chagas disease is endemic in Bolivia, something that has to be taken into account by the SUS. This paper analyzes both action and limits regarding health professionals who provide services to Bolivians in SUS with a focus on Chagas disease. Interviews were applied to primary, secondary and tertiary health services in the central region of São Paulo, the main destination of Bolivian immigrants. The precarious living conditions of Bolivians are the cause of health inequities. Language and culture also hamper their understanding about care. There is a lack of knowledge about clinic and epidemiology aspects of Chagas disease among the professionals who attend these immigrants. It is necessary to rethink strategies of health care and control of Chagas disease.

Keywords : Migration; Bolivians; Chagas disease; Health care; Health professionals.

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