Medicina Ocupacional y Asuntos de Salud

Abstracto

Health Education Programme: Implementation at Elementary Schools

Marieta Castanho

The Health Education in Pediatrics (ESP) programme, registered as “Cacilda, Saúde e Cia”, under the coordination of the Brazilian Drug Information Centre (Cebrim) of the Brazilian Federal Pharmacy Council (CFF), was implemented at elementary schools during the second half of 2022. The multiprofessional team (pharmacists, physicians, dentists and nutritionists, and pedagogues) included the participation of pharmacy undergraduate students. The topics addressed in the educational activities were health principles, including nutrition, treatment adherence, medicines information; oral health, and immunization. The educational activities were carried out through theatrical performance, chats, and ludic activities with children’s participation. At the end of the activities, most children reported that they liked all the activities and the character Cacilda and that they acquired habits such as drinking more water, eating healthily, exercising outdoors, being exposed to sunlight, using medicines only under adult supervision and being willing to be vaccinated. The elementary school´s pedagogical coordinator stated that participation in the programme was an experience that was enriched with learning and fun. Thus, we conclude that pharmacists can and should play an essential role in the responsible involvement of all citizens to promote health behaviours in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.