Brazil Advances National Self-Care Policy and Men's Health Initiatives to Promote Prevention and Reduce Hospital Demand

The Brazilian Human Rights Commission is debating the National Self-Care Policy (PL 3099/2019), designed to promote healthy habits and prevent diseases, thus reducing hospital demand. Senator Jussara Lima (PSD-PI), the rapporteur, stressed that self-care complements medical treatment, potentially improving quality of life and alleviating the healthcare system by lowering preventable cases. The policy seeks to amend the Organic Health Law to include healthy habits, educational actions, and digital tools for chronic disease management. Experts emphasized that accessible information and integration among the public, health professionals, and product distributors are crucial for successful implementation. The prevalence of chronic diseases and a shortage of healthcare workers highlight the importance of simple community and family care practices to prevent illness and manage stress.

In parallel, the Belo Horizonte City Council (Câmara Municipal) will vote on Project 62/2025 on December 1, aiming to establish a targeted health policy for men. Proposed by Maninho Félix (PSD), the initiative focuses on conditions like heart disease and prostate cancer, particularly for men aged 30-39, to prevent severe health issues typically appearing around age 50. Félix noted cultural barriers that hinder men from seeking care, with women visiting doctors twice as often. The policy emphasizes encouraging men to use health services proactively. The council will also vote on a proposal for solar installations in schools, both projects having received unanimous preliminary support.

These efforts represent a comprehensive push in Brazil toward preventive healthcare strategies, highlighting self-care education and gender-specific interventions to reduce healthcare burdens and improve population well-being.