Climate effects and health emergencies: analysis of response actions to floods in Bahia, Brazil
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Secretaria da Saúde do Estado da Bahia, Brazil
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Secretaria da Saúde do Estado da Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
Publication date: 2023-04-27
Popul. Med. 2023;5(Supplement):A1705
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Climate impacts have repercussions on the global agenda, as changes in temperature and climate patterns prompt the occurrence of storms, floods, and landslides, leaving populations vulnerable and susceptible to disease and food insecurity. In Northeast Brazil, a region traditionally affected by periods of drought, heavy rains intensified amid the pandemic, with floods that affected the lives of thousands of people and required comprehensive responses from the health system. In view of the installed set of crises, this study aimed to analyze the main interventions carried out to face the Public Health Emergency caused by floods. Methods: Qualitative research with a critical-reflective approach based on the experience report of Health Surveillance professionals from the Southwest Regional Health Center of the Health Department of the state of Bahia, Brazil. The actions developed were described and analyzed between December 2021 and February 2022. Data were analyzed in two analytical categories: risk management and strategic response actions. Results: The intersectoral work integrated sectors of health, public security and civil defense. Risk management prioritized strengthening the capacity for action at the regional level, with the installation of a Situation Room. Some of the strategic actions were the creation of teams on continuous duty to monitor the homeless and displaced people, distribution of medication, inspection of shelters, visits to the most affected municipalities, and analysis of water samples for human consumption. Conclusions: The response measures were adequate and successful, being the coordinated and solidary partnership of the state of Bahia with the municipalities of fundamental importance. According to the regional experience, integration between different sectors is an essential strategy for overcoming the dimensions of vulnerability installed in climatic events that cause floods and overload the health systems.