HEALTH EDUCATION, PUBLIC INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION IN SCHISTOSOMIASIS CONTROL IN BRAZIL - A BRIEF RETROSPECTIVE AND PERSPECTIVES

In recent-years, the strategy for the control of schistosomiasis has p laced increased emphasis on the role of health education, public infor mation, and communication. This should, not only bring about specific changes in behavior aiming at disease prevention, but also stimulate p articipation of the community in health programs. Beyond this, it is d esirable that both community members and researchers should seek bette r life conditions through a transformative social action. The present paper adresses these concerns; first, by critically reviewing some hea lth education programs that were developed in Brazil, and, secondly, b y analyzing and suggesting ways to improve this area.