The implementation of the question regarding color/race in STD/AIDS services in the State of São Paulo

Abstract

This paper describes the experience to implement a systematic collection of these data on color/race in the STD/Aids care services in the State of São Paulo (SSP), through a partnership signed in 2004 between the Prevention Division of the STD/Aids State Program of the SSP and CEERT (initials in Portuguese for Center of Studies on Work Relations and Inequality) to carry out a project question in these services. Thirty-five STD/Aids care services were involved in the project and between 2004 and 2006, seven workshops of sensitization and monitoring of the process of implementation of the color/race question were held. It was observed that the process of discussion and reflection on the ethnic-racial theme renders the implementation easier. The campaign material provides clarification for the team of professionals and for the users, facilitating the implementation of this question. Investing in the qualification of reception professionals is important for the implementation of this question in the health services. CONCLUSION: With this experience, the Work Group Ethnicities of the STD-Aids State Program has broadened its performance. In 2006, with the partnership of the professionals of the AMA-Psique Institute, the process was extended to 13 new cities, consolidating the implementation of the color/race question in the STD-Aids services in the SSP. We hope that the produced information can sensitize the diverse spheres, so that public policies that promote racial equity in health and quality of life for black and aboriginal population are proposed and approved.