EQUITY IN ACTION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BRAZIL’S UNIFIED HEALTH SYSTEM IN BELO HORIZONTE: PERMANENT EDUCATION, INTERSECTIONALITY AND INTERPROFESSIONAL TRAINING IN THE PET-SAÚDE EQUITY PROGRAM

Abstract

This article aims to report and analyze a formative experience developed within the scope of the Program for Education through Work for Health – Equity (PET-Saúde Equidade), an initiative of the Brazilian Ministry of Health carried out in partnership with the Municipality of Belo Horizonte and the higher education institutions Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais (PUC Minas) and Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG). The experience involved students from Psychology, Dentistry, Social Sciences, Anthropology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Law, engaged in activities at the managerial level of the Municipal Health Secretariat of Belo Horizonte (SUS-BH), focusing on interprofessional education and continuing health education. The methodological pathway consisted of a qualitative experience report based on participation in management settings, institutional meetings and training workshops addressing equity-related themes, including gender, race, mental health, spirituality, nonviolent communication and workplace harassment prevention. These activities fostered closer integration between teaching, service and community, enabling the collective construction of critical reflections on work processes within the Brazilian Unified Health System. Significant engagement from management workers was observed, with an expanded understanding of the active implementation of equity in institutional practices. The workshops promoted meaningful interprofessional exchanges, challenging naturalized practices and encouraging dialogue on intersectionality and social justice. The findings indicate that PET-Saúde Equidade constitutes a powerful educational device for strengthening continuing health education and improving work processes, contributing to more inclusive and diversity-sensitive practices within the Brazilian Unified Health System.