Some municipalities in Brazil have been requesting
orientation for the implementation of health education programs
related to the control of schistosomiasis. This demand was based
on experiences in the development of health education researches,
strategies and materials for school-age children, involving the
communities and secretaries of health and education. Motivated by
this request and the recently implemented plan of health services
(Unified Health System - Sistema Único de Saúde -
SUS) that gives autonomy to the municipalities to utilize health
resources and services in Brazil, this paper presents an
interactive perspective of planning health education research and
programs. The purpose of this perspective is to stimulate a
reflection on the needs and actions of institutions and people
involved in health education research and/or programs to obtain
sustainability, commitment and effectiveness - not only in the
control of schistosomiasis, but also in the improvement of
environmental conditions, quality of life and personal health.
This perspective comprises interaction among three levels related
to health education programs: the decision level, the executive
level and the beneficiary level. The needs and lines of action at
each of these levels are discussed, as well as the ways in which
they can interact with each other. This proposal may lead to
useful interactive ways of planing, organizing, executing and
evaluating health education research and/or program, not only
towards the prevention and control of the disease at stake, but
also to promote health in general.
