Abstract Background Food insecurity has important effects on human health, particularly in children's. It continues to increase, with an estimated prevalence of 14.9% in the USA and 35% in Brazil. There have been few studies on the effect of cash transfer programs (CTPs) on the prevalence of food security in Brazil. Objective Evaluate the association between cash transfer programs and reductions in inequity and food insecurity. Method Population-based cross-sectional study in the state of Ceará, Northeast Brazil, with a sample of 8.000 households. Ceará is one of the poorest states. The state population of 8.5 million inhabitants, social security benefits and government grants, " Bolsa Família", have become the most stable source of income. The main outcomes measures were food insecurity and CTP participation. Multivariate logistic models were constructed to assess the association between participation in CTPs and food security. Results Participation in CTPs was found to be independently related to the prevalence of food security (APR 2.29 95% CI 1.57-3.33), as are education level, residential setting, and children's nutritional status. Conclusions CTPs and investment in education are initiatives that might be used to reduce food insecurity.
Background: The Community Health Workers (CHWs) Programme was launched in Luanda, Angola, in 2007 as an initiative of the provincial government. The aim of this study was to assess its implementation process. Methods: This is a case study with documental analysis, CHWs reports data, individual interviews and focus groups. Results: Until June 2009, the programme had placed in the community 2,548 trained CHWs, providing potential coverage for 261,357 families. Analysis of qualitative data suggested an association of CHWs with improvements in maternal and child access to health care, as well as an increase in the demand for health services, generating further need to improve service capacity. Nevertheless, critical points for programme sustainability were identified. Conclusions: For continuity and scaling up, the programme needs medium- and long-term technical, political and financial support. The results of this study may be useful in strengthening and reformulating the planning of the CHWs programme in Luanda and in Angola. Moreover, the lessons learned with this experience can also provide insight for the development of CHWs programmes in other parts of the world. By means of cooperation, Brazil has supported the implementation of this CHWs programme and can potentially contribute to its improvement. ; Introdução: O Programa de Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (PACS) de Luanda iniciou em Luanda, Angola, em 2007, como iniciativa do governo provincial. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o seu processo de implantação. Métodos: Realizamos um estudo de caso com análise documental, registros das fichas de avaliação dos ACS, entrevistas individuais e grupos focais. Resultados: Até junho de 2009, o PACS de Luanda chegou a 2.548 ACS treinados, proporcionando cobertura potencial para 261.357 famílias. Por meio dos dados qualitativos, observou-se associação do ACS com ampliação do acesso aos cuidados de saúde, principalmente de mães e crianças, e aumento da demanda nos serviços de saúde, gerando necessidade de maior capacidade de resposta. No entanto, pontos críticos em relação à sustentabilidade do programa foram identificados. Conclusões: Para sua continuidade e ampliação, o Programa precisa de suporte técnico e apoio político e financeiro a médio e longo prazo. Os resultados deste estudo podem ser direcionados para reforçar e reformular o planejamento das ações do PACS de Luanda e de Angola. Além disso, os aprendizados que partem desta experiência podem servir de subsídio para o desenvolvimento de programas de ACS em outras partes do mundo. Por meio da cooperação, o Brasil apoiou a implantação do PACS de Luanda e tem potencial para contribuir na sua evolução. ; Telemedicina
