Confronting covid-19 in the context of specific vulnerable populations in Rio Grande do Norte: An experience report: Um relato de experiência

Abstract

Introduction: This paper aims to report the experience of the Department of Transversal Policies and Health Promotion in the initial responses to the pandemic of covid-19, focusing on specific populations in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, highlighting popular participation and the first experiences of popular health surveillance in the state. The specific objectives of the report seek to apprehend the elaboration of emergency plans for the prevention and confrontation of covid-19, as well as the elaboration of maps that contemplate the indigenous, quilombola and gypsy populations of the state of RN. The methodological procedures of the work consisted of a survey of data about these populations, mobilized by various actors, especially representatives and leaders of the populations, as well as the SESAP, educational institutions, and specialists, to thus consolidate guiding documents that could effectively impact the fight against covid-19 in our state. This articulation resulted in the launching of seven plans, which were separately aimed at the LGBT+ population; the gypsy population; the rural, water, and forest populations; the homeless, refugees, and stateless people; the indigenous population; traditional peoples of African origin, the Afro-Brazilian, and the Afro-Amerindian peoples. In addition, we will address the vaccination scenario for some of these populations, taking into account the time frame until April 2021.