TOXOPLASMOSIS OUTBREAK AND MATERNITY 534 373

ACCOUNTABILITY, PUBLIC POLICIES, AND HEALTHCARE ASSISTANCE

Abstract

The full protection of the health of newborns is a right guaranteed by the Child and Adolescent Statute and is considered fundamental for child development. Similarly, the guarantee of health assistance for mothers during pregnancy and the postpartum period is advocated by the Ministry of Health. Therefore, when a disease like toxoplasmosis arises in this context, the importance of implementing existing public policies is highlighted to ensure the best conditions for the child's development. In light of this, following the recent occurrence of a toxoplasmosis outbreak in a city in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul, which affected a large number of pregnant women, this paper presents the results related to the perception of 5 affected mothers regarding the accountability for the outbreak and health assistance in this context. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using content analysis techniques. Based on the testimonies, it is possible to observe a strong mobilization from the mothers regarding the cause of the contamination, as well as their demand that the responsibility for the outbreak be assumed. Additionally, they report deficiencies in the quality of health assistance provided, both at the primary and tertiary levels, emphasizing the importance of the presence of professionals who offer ethical and sensitive listening, which highlights the relevance of psychological support. It is hoped that this study can contribute to the development of strategies for supporting this population. In the face of phenomena such as a toxoplasmosis outbreak, it is essential that each affected family be understood in its uniqueness and that each infected mother and child receive the necessary assistance, whether physical or emotional.