Indigenous health and sanitation agents: strengthening primary health care and promoting well-being in indigenous communities

Abstract

Introduction: Indigenous Health Agents (AIS) and Indigenous Sanitation Agents (AISAN) are workers who play an important role in primary health care in indigenous communities, working in health promotion, disease prevention and basic care, through basic sanitation actions and health education. Objective: To report the first professional for AIS and AISAN carried out by the SUS Technical School (ETSUS) “Professora Ena de Araújo Galvão” in Mato Grosso do Sul. Experience description: This experience report presents the AIS/AISAN Qualification Program, financed by the Ministry of Health, implemented by ETSUS/MS and partners in the period 2019-2022. Discussion: ETSUS/MS carried out the qualification of AIS and AISAN, totaling 215 indigenous agents. The qualification adopted active learning methodologies, such as: work in groups, dramatizations and others. During the field activities, the students produced videos, posters, comics, folders and others, held lectures and provided educational guidance in schools, health units and during home visits. Final considerations: It is expected that there will be more and more qualification processes for indigenous workers, since they are initiatives that contribute to the improvement of indigenous health in the state, mainly with the possible approval of Bill 3.514/19, which regulates the profession of AIS and AISAN.