Sensibilização e Capacitação em Redução de Danos: Considerações dos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde

Abstract This paper debates a project of qualification of Health Communitarian Agents (HCA) for Harm Reduction (HR) actions in seven municipal districts of Rio Grande do Sul. Sixty one HCA were interviewed in 10 Health Centers (HC). Guided questionnaires were applied, followed by focal groups. It was verified a sensitization effect and the comprehension of HR proposal for the majority of HCA in the aspects: increased knowledge, overcoming prejudice related to drug users and HIV seropositivity, as well as HR importance to STD/AIDS prevention. Difficulties of HR actions implantation were related to the lack of interest and/or financial support of HC. The importance of the qualification was related to the increase drug user’s proximity to the HC and also to the amplification of HR actions in the Health System. However, just the qualifying of HCA does not guarantee the continuity of the actions, it is also necessary to sensitize all the HC team and managers.