The Covid-19 pandemic and the care of vulnerable populations: arrangements and responses produced in the State of São Paulo

Abstract

In this article, we analyze the care paths developed by two health regions in the state of São Paulo aimed at populations in vulnerable situations, in response to the covid-19 pandemic. This is a multiple case study type investigation, with a qualitative-quantitative approach. Semi-structured questionnaires and 29 interviews were used involving managers and health professionals working in the Regional Health Departments and Municipal Health Secretariats of 6 municipalities in the Health Regions of the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo and the interior. Our analyses showed that invisibilities and a homogenizing perspective on “being vulnerable” persist. Regarding the topic of innovations, we reiterate the challenges faced by managers and health professionals who have experienced the intensification of forces contrary to the construction of care actions, in view of government choices – at the state/federal level. Despite these identified challenges and care actions, the journeys in the municipalities call us to reflect on the need to expand intersectoral action, due to the needs and potentialities present in the territories in relation to the theme of vulnerabilities, especially considering that the initiatives made visible little points to articulations and arrangements different from those produced from the traditional logic of thinkingacting in health.