Saúde única nas forças de segurança em São Luís – MA: promovendo conhecimento sobre zoonoses

Abstract

In 2019, the World Organization for Animal Health stated that it is the responsibility of the health sector to contribute to reducing social and environmental vulnerabilities, using the precepts of One Health. This is a concept that has been on the rise for just over a decade, highlighting the connections between human, animal, and environmental health. Thus, this work was carried out in order to meet an imminent demand from the Maranhão society and more specifically from the public security environment where dogs, horses, and humans coexist, in the Complex of the General Command of the Military Police of Maranhão, at Dog Operations Unit, of the Maranhão Civil Police, and the 2nd Military Firefighter Battalion, in São Luís, through public health measures to protect both the animals and the professionals who work with them. Therefore, a study with a qualitative and quantitative descriptive observational approach was conducted to develop a situational diagnosis and assess the level of knowledge of security force professionals related to One Health and Zoonoses. Visits to the institutions' facilities were conducted, as well as interviews with thirty employees, electronically, via Google Forms®, as briefly as possible, to minimize risks and potential annoyances. These were distributed into four blocks of questions, evaluating variables related to Server Data, Contact and knowledge about Zoonoses, Knowledge about Environmental Situation, and Knowledge about Animal and Facility Health Situation. Following this phase, three educational lectures were given to employees of all the units involved, in addition to the creation of an illustrated brochure and two short videos, in whiteboard style, addressing the studied and discussed topics related to Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis and Glanders, for use in continuing education. The results of the interviews and the lectures provided valuable insights into the perception and knowledge of Maranhão security forces employees regarding zoonoses and One Health. The data indicated that, although most respondents have a good understanding of zoonoses and prophylactic measures applied to animals, there is a clear need for greater awareness of the interconnection between animal, human, and environmental health. Issues such as the lack of personal protective equipment and improper management of the environment where animals are kept were highlighted as areas needing improvement. The educational lectures proved effective in disseminating technical information, emphasizing the importance of continued and institutionalized health education, which will also be supported by the dissemination of the produced videos and brochure through social media and messaging apps, such as the UEMANET channel, on YouTube®. It is also important to highlight the importance of sustainable practices and environmental control for disease prevention, as the presence of vectors and wild animals around the facilities, along with inadequate hygiene conditions, contribute to the spread of zoonoses. Thus, the continuous education and awareness of employees are essential to ensure effective preventive practices and promote a healthy environment, which directly reflects on the safety and efficiency of the security forces working with animals in São Luís