Brazil occupies half of the South American landmass, and is the fifth largest country in the world. The current population estimate is 207 million.1 Demographic and epidemiological changes, as well as nutritional transition, have affected mortality and morbidity in the country. The leading causes of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in 2010 were ischaemic heart disease, interpersonal violence, lower back pain, stroke, and road injury.2
Community empowerment and coverage
The main principles of the Brazilian National Health System (SUS), are universal access, comprehensive care, and equity of actions. The SUS model has emphasised the rapid scaling-up of community-based care in order to provide comprehensive primary health care (PHC). Among a number of important initiatives undertaken to develop this approach are the introduction of lay health workers (agentes comunitários de saúde), and an increased focus on community empowerment. These are both examples of important innovations in the public health system.
The PHC has increased its …