Enfrentamento da COVID-19 na fronteira: estudo de caso em cidade de tríplice fronteira do Arco Norte do Brasil

Abstract

The pandemic of COVID-19, caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), was one of the greatest health challenges ever experienced. This virus has exposed the health system of numerous countries and has crossed borders, causing harmful effects on society and economy. In this dimension, it is noticed the intense movement of people who move freely between the three countries, which is an important characteristic of the region, and the countries have adopted public health measures in these locations. Objective: To analyze the measures to combat COVID-19 in the city, on the international border, of Tabatinga, AM, Brazil. Method: Single case study, descriptive, qualitative, carried out in the municipality of Tabatinga, Amazonas, which used as a source of evidence interviews with health managers of the Health Department of the Municipality of Tabatinga. Data were organized and coded using the MaxQDA22® software and analyzed using theoretical propositions as an analytical strategy. The study complied with the recommendations of Resolution 466/2012 of the National Health Council and was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the State University of Amazonas. Results: The results are presented in the format of a case study report, described from the perspective of its insertion in the context and phenomenon studied, and the three chapters that respond to the theoretical propositions and objectives of the study. The first chapter deals with coping strategies for COVID-19 in the municipality of Tabatinga, the second chapter brings the immunisation strategies for COVID-19 in the triple border region of Brazil, Colombia and Peru, and the third chapter deals with the impact of the closure and opening of the triple border region of Brazil, Colombia and Peru for COVID-19. Discussion: The experience of the pandemic highlighted the need for planning and elaboration of Pandemic Preparedness Plans that are flexible and capable of responding to the situation experienced. It is noted that this action was of paramount importance to the performance of health surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the most restrictive measures regarding the movement of people in their territories, such as the closing of the border, had positive impacts on health and the economy. Final considerations: the municipality of Tabatinga presents challenges as a border region of Brazil, difficulties in the health sector, due to the geographical distance from the capital, for presenting a great population diversity and for serving, in addition to the health demands of the municipality itself, a foreign population. Even in the face of these challenges experienced at the time of the COVID-19, the municipal health management was successful in attending this population within its reality