The importance of Primary Health Care in guaranteeing adolescents’ right to health in Brazil

Abstract

This essay analyzes the guarantee of adolescents’ right to health in Brazil, highlighting national and international guidelines documents, epidemiological data, public policies, and programs developed to ensure comprehensive and integrated health care for adolescents. The theoretical framework discussed reveals significant gaps in adolescent health policy in Brazil and worldwide, ranging from human resource issues within the Unified Health System (SUS) to the integration and availability of health data across different information systems. These aspects affect access to Primary Health Care (PHC) services and the quality of care, which in turn influence morbidity and mortality indicators such as all forms of violence, tobacco addiction, alcohol and other drugs, worsening mental health, sexual and reproductive rights, vaccination coverage, and the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity diagnoses, among others. These essay positions PHC as the coordinator of care, intersectoral action, and adolescent participation as central strategies for promoting comprehensive health. It concludes that investing in adolescent health is an ethical and strategic imperative to break cycles of inequality and promote the well-being of future generations.