Black population health: from lack of knowledge among health professionals to the urgency of education with an anti-racist perspective

Abstract

The fight against racism in health implies rethinking professional training. Health training and continuing education in health should follow the provisions of the National Policy for Comprehensive Health of the Black Population (PNSIPN, Brazilian acronymous), CNS Resolution No. 569, and Curricular Guidelines for Education on Ethnic-Racial Relations. This article reflects on the importance of continuing education in health (PEH) aimed at combating racism in health services. Based on reports from professionals in mental health care services, we demonstrate that health training from an anti-racist perspective is almost nonexistent. The reports demonstrate the low presence or silence of the approach to the health of the Black population and issues related to racism and anti-racism. In addition to denouncing the absences, we highlight the perception of professionals regarding the need for an approach to issues related to the promotion of the health of the black population as a commitment to the principles of the Unified Health System (SUS, Brazilian acronymous) in the various training processes in and within health. We are based on regulations related to the education of ethnic-racial relations and the health of the black population.