The implementation of intersectoral actions to assist children with congenital Zika virus syndrome in the state of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

This paper focuses on the actions and partnerships established between members of the State Secretariats of Health and Social Assistance in Rio de Janeiro and other organizations in the health and assistance areas to respond to the health emergency triggered by the congenital Zika virus syndrome between 2015 and 2018. Some characteristics of the context were: a severe economic crisis, the erosion of the governance capacities of the state political authorities as well and scarce technical-scientific knowledge about the epidemic. The study was grounded on an analysis of documents related to the topic, 17 semi-structured interviews with managers and professionals from the two secretariats. Interview scripts focused on intersectoral actions and processes of cooperation and coordination within and between organizations. The analytical grid included aspects of the interpersonal, informational, and decision-making roles of managers and technicians. The results show that, despite the political and economic crisis, the Secretariat actors managed to create a flow of care for patients. Informal cooperation and coordination mechanisms were crucial for the creation of long-term intersectoral strategies.