CHILD CARE IN BRAZIL: DEFINITION, HISTORY AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Abstract

Well-child care is defined as monitoring the child and in its historical concept, it is related to a science that aggregates knowledge of Physiology, Hygiene, Nutrition, Sociology, Culture, neuropsychomotor development and child behavior, directly influencing the reduction of infant morbidity and mortality and the development of quality of life. The Primary Health Care is the gateway to well-child care, and considers the structure, process and result triad, thus, a strong supply of health services also strengthens childcare. This follow-up must be carried out by a multidisciplinary team, with tracking of health problems that can be treated early, in addition, working with structural changes, such as income transfer policies, also positively influences the quality of life of the child population. Well-child care is important for the development of a healthy society, therefore, the action of managers is essential to strengthen programs aimed at the child population.