Práticas dos Agentes de Combate às Endemias e dos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde frente à pandemia de Covid-19 no Brasil

Abstract

This qualitative study, based on 54 semi-structured interviews conducted across all 26 Brazilian states and the Federal District, explored the challenges and potentialities faced by Community Health Workers ACS and Endemic Disease Control Agents during the Covid- 19 pandemic. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis, as proposed by Braun and Clarke (2006). The findings highlight significant changes in the work routines of these professionals, including restrictions on home visits—central to their role—lack of adequate working conditions such as insufficient personal protective equipment (PPE), and absence of proper training. Additionally, the agents had to contend with widespread misinformation and denialism. Despite these challenges, the study revealed the resilience and adaptability of Community Health Workers and Endemic Disease Control Agents, who managed to maintain community ties and ensure continuity of care by using social media and alternative communication strategies during the health crisis.