Health surveillance of populations exposed to pesticides: an intersectoral and participatory proposal

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the proposal of surveillance health for populations exposed to pesticides developed in the state of Pernambuco. 25 public documents were selected that dealt with the surveillance activities developed in the Unified Health System. Then, a historical content analysis was carried out, with emphasis on the category of social participation and agroecology. Articulation of the proposal with the national plan for agroecology and organic production was identified. In order to plan the actions, an intersectoral group was formed, with the participation of agriculture and education departments, sectors of civil society linked to agroecology, social and union movements. Among the actions planned by the group, we highlight the registration of pesticide applicators and dispensation of the applicator's portfolio by family health professionals, which allows articulation with education and technical assistance programs. Health promotion actions were also defined in conjunction with agroecology. The preparation of the proposal in an intersectoral group provided more space for the preparation of health policies in addition to traditional councils. The instrument of the pesticide applicator portfolio offers an institutionalization of popular health surveillance and can be extended to other municipalities and regions in Brazil.