Right to health BOOKLET ON THE HEART: HEALTH OF THE BLACK POPULATION OF MARÉ

In collaboration between the Right to Health axis and the Black House of Maré, the idea behind the project 'Booklet on the Heart: Health of the Black Population of Maré' is topromote access to information and tools for patients diagnosed with heart failure or those at risk for the disease (hypertensive and diabetic individuals). The goal is for these users and their families to be active in their treatment and in formulating policies and actions for better care and assistance throughout the Maré Favela Complex. The initiative primarily targets the black population, especially women and the elderly.

During this period, a participatory booklet will be developed to address the demands of the residents regarding access to information, guidance on heart failure treatment, and specialized services available. With a planned distribution of 2,000 copies, the publication organizes the population's questions and rights, ensuring the dissemination of information.

As part of acollaborative dialogue process with residents,the project will enable a better understanding of the cardiovascular health of the black population of Maré,identifying issues, problems, and solutions that serve as a basis for future actions in serving this population.

Additionally, it will contribute to a better understanding of the population's rights and their ability to mobilize to ensure access to these services.

Census data from Maré shows that the population of the Maré Favela Complex is predominantlyblack (62.1%) and female (51%).

It also indicates thatover 80% of the Maré population does not have access to private health plans, meaning residents rely on the Unified Health System (SUS). Thus, there is a need to strengthen and improve services in healthcare units.

In this context, data presented in the National Policy for Comprehensive Health Care for the Black Population (2017) indicate that the black population is particularly vulnerable to chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension,and these tend to be more complicated when affecting this population. Moreover, difficulties in accessing health services, a higher propensity for stress, and a lower quality of life are aggravating factors.

The research "Racial and income inequalities in access to health in Brazilian cities" (2023), from the Institute of Applied Economic Research (Ipea) points out inequalities in access, especially in high-complexity units.

How does the project unfold?

1) Identification of patients with cardiovascular or diabetes issues, based on information from health units and active searches.

2) Creation of the profile of this population and their main concerns to strategize and guide the start of discussions on the construction of the booklet.

3) Formation of 7 focus groups (1 per health unit) with 50 patients and/or family members, in addition to health professionals from each unit for the construction of the booklet.

4) Training of 100 health unit professionals, providing support to improve attention and care for cardiovascular diseases and other recurring issues in the black population.

5) Mobilization and coordination for the widespread dissemination of the material through online and offline channels.