BLACK POPULATION ACCESS TO THE UNIFIED HEALTH SYSTEM (SUS) 0 0

Abstract

The racial inequalities that have marked Brazilian history have repercussions for the right to health. This study examines how the Black population accesses and uses the services of the Unified Health System (SUS) and the barriers encountered throughout this process. The method consisted of a bibliographic and documentary review of public policies, legislation, jurisprudence of the Federal Supreme Court, and official epidemiological indicators published up to 2026. It was found that the National Policy for Comprehensive Health of the Black Population (PNSIPN) and the Racial Equality Statute exist on paper, but their implementation faces significant obstacles, evident in differences in access to medical and dental consultations, obtaining medications, prenatal care coverage, and the distribution of health conditions such as sickle cell disease, tuberculosis, and HIV infection. The maternal mortality ratio among Black women remains more than twice that observed among White women; the risk of a Black person dying from homicide is 2.7 times higher than that of a non-Black person. It is concluded that structural and institutional racism have a significant impact on the health of the Black population and that achieving equity within the SUS requires more effective actions, including the recently inaugurated Black Population Health Observatory.