TUBERCULOSIS AND THE PARALLEL REALITY OF PRISONS

Abstract

The article examines the precarious state of healthcare assistance for the Brazilian prison population, with an emphasis on tuberculosis. Data provided by the public authorities were analyzed in contrast with the rights guaranteed by the legal framework to demonstrate that, despite the formal universality of the Unified Health System (SUS), the reality of prisons, marked by overcrowding and unsanitary conditions, hinders the effective fight against the disease. Brazil developed the National Plan for the End of Tuberculosis, but the state’s neglect in implementing public policies aimed at prisoners has led to an increase in tuberculosis incidence within the prison system. The analysis reveals that the prison population, despite its vulnerability, remains on the margins of public health policies, constituting an "Unconstitutional State of Affairs," as recognized by the Supreme Federal Court. The study concludes that eradicating tuberculosis, as well as respecting human rights, requires immediate and effective actions to ensure universal and equal access to healthcare in prisons.