STRENGTHENING THE ACTIVE SEARCH FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS IN INDIGENOUS TERRITORY OF PARAÍBA

CONTRIBUTIONS OF INSTITUTIONAL AND MATRIX SUPPORT

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis remains a significant public health issue in Brazil, disproportionately affecting Indigenous peoples. In the Indigenous territories of Paraíba, challenges regarding access, timely diagnosis, and continuity of care necessitate the strengthening of Primary Health Care. In this context, institutional and matrix support plays a key role by improving work processes and organizing the active case-finding of individuals with respiratory symptoms, with a focus on equity and the reduction of health inequities. Objective: To report on the role of institutional and matrix support in training professionals for the active case-finding of patients with respiratory symptoms in Indigenous territories in Paraíba. Experience report: This report describes the process of training professionals for the active case-finding of patients with respiratory symptoms in Indigenous territories within Paraíba’s 14th Health Region, between September and October 2024. In Brazil, the Indigenous population is more vulnerable to tuberculosis, with incidence rates exceeding the national average. Activities were conducted by institutional and matrix support staff from the Rede de Apoio Institucional para Qualificação e Matriciamento Gerencial (REAP QUALI-PB) project; these included workshops with community health agents and Indigenous health agents, utilizing the "problem tree" tool to propose intervention strategies for the territories. The results indicated progress in the coordination between health teams and in addressing local weaknesses, contributing to the quality and humanization of services. Conclusion: The actions carried out by the REAP QUALI-PB project strengthened active case finding for tuberculosis among Indigenous people, promoting early diagnosis and improving access to treatment, particularly within the context of primary health care.