“I actually never heard of it or participated in it”: the Comprehensive National Health Policy for the Black Population in the perspective of health managers and professionals

Abstract

This paper analyzes how the Comprehensive Health National Policy for 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 conducted with 27 professionals from Family Health, Primary Care, and Health District Headquarters. Content analysis revealed four categories: Primary Health Care (PHC); Health of the Black Population; Diversity health care; and PNSIPN. Professionals showed a superficial understanding regarding 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 appeared linked to the LGBTQIA+ population and life cycles, but not race. All municipalities lacked knowledge on the PNSIPN and the practical means to implement it in their daily work. Its absence in the services’ planning and work processes reveals an urgent need regarding continuing health education so that managers and professional can appropriate the principle of equity.