Voices of Practice: Perspectives of A Multidisciplinary Team on the Training of Indigenous Health Agents
Authors: Gomes Salatiel da Rocha , Batista Geycielle de Oliveira , Oliveira Liliane Costa de , Gomes Jackeline Sarmento 
Published: January 2025

Objective: To assess the qualification of Indigenous Health Agents (AIS) and Indigenous Sanitation Agents (AISAN) in the DSEI Alto Rio Solimões, focusing on identifying health professionals' perceptions of the offered courses and proposing new approaches for the continuous training of these agents, ensuring that the training is culturally sensitive and aligned with the specificities of Indigenous communities.

Theoretical Framework: The research is based on an ethnographic approach, in accordance with the concepts proposed by Nakamura (2011) on the importance of Anthropology and Ethnology in understanding Indigenous health practices. The "comprehensive interview" methodology by Kaufmann (2013) also guides the data collection, allowing for an active listening of the experiences and views of the DSEI professionals regarding AIS and AISAN training.

Method: The adopted methodology was qualitative, using a combination of ethnography and comprehensive interviews. The research focused on a workshop held at DSEI Alto Rio Solimões in Tabatinga/AM, with the participation of 10 health professionals (nurses, psychologists, social workers, among others). During the workshop, participants shared their experiences and views on the training of AIS and AISAN, and these insights were analyzed based on the theoretical assumptions of ethnography.

Results and Discussion: The results revealed that the professionals at DSEI have a strong connection with the communities served, which allows them to deeply understand local needs. The discussion points out that, while the qualification courses offered so far are important, there is a need for continuous adaptation to meet the socio-cultural realities of the region. The team suggested new formative approaches, such as participatory and intercultural methodologies, that promote the empowerment of AIS and AISAN to address health and sanitation challenges in the communities.

Implications of the Research: The research suggests that the continuous qualification of AIS and AISAN should be based on intercultural methodologies that integrate traditional knowledge and health practices. Training should be adapted to the cultural specificities of Indigenous communities, so that health agents can work more effectively and sensitively to local diversity. The study also highlights the importance of training that goes beyond technical skills, including aspects related to human rights, mental and social health, and combating various forms of violence.

Originality/Value: This study makes a significant contribution to the literature on the training of Indigenous health professionals, offering an in-depth analysis of training practices and proposing new pedagogical models that integrate traditional knowledge and biomedical practices. The research emphasizes the importance of intercultural and continuous education that values the cultural specificities of Indigenous communities and ensures holistic health promotion.