Abstract

DE MOURA-PONTES, Ana Lucia  and  GARNELO, Luiza. Professional education and work of indigenous health agents in the Brazilian health system. Salud pública Méx [online]. 2014, vol.56, n.4, pp.386-392. ISSN 0036-3634.

Objective. To discuss the role of indigenous health agents in the implementation of the model of differentiated attention or intercultural health in Brazil. Materials and methods. We revised the scientific literature about the work and professional education of indigenous health agents in the Brazilian indigenous health system. Results. There is a subordination of the agents to the hegemonic medical model. With regards to professional education, we observe the absence and irregularity of these processes, with a general emphasis the biomedicine. There are conflicts with the health team and community, with devaluation of the agents. The agent does not plays the role of mediator between the different health knowledge and practices. Conclusions. We suggest that the discussion of the model of differentiated attention should strengthen the relationship between the health system and the selfcare.

Keywords : primary health care; community health workers; health of Indigenous peoples; cultural diversity; health policy; planning and management; Brazil.

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