79 International immigrant health access and social protection in the context of COVID-19 in Brazil

Abstract OP 9: Health Services 1, B210 (FCSH), September 3, 2025, 15:45 - 16:45 Aims This research aims to identify the problems related to the health access and social protection of international migrants and refugees regarding their needs during the pandemic COVID19 in Brazil. Considering the social and territorial inequalities in Brazil, the consequences of the pandemic were more severe due to critical situations of social vulnerability. Methods The qualitative research followed the interdisciplinary theoretical axis of transnational migrations and anthropology. Between the years 2022 and 2023, we conducted in-depth interviews and participant observation with migrants and refugees living in six Brazilian states: in the metropolitan region of São Paulo (SP), in the cities of Florianópolis and Chapecó (SC), Uberlândia (MG), Londrina (PR), Cuiabá and Várzea Grande (MT) and Manaus (AM). In the field research, in each state, in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 migrants (men and women), totaling 84 international migrants (with and without refugee status) from Venezuela, Haiti, Syria, Colombia, Bolivia, and Angola. Results The results provided a detailed and complex panorama of the situation of immigrants during the pandemic, highlighting the role of the Unified Health System and the increased vulnerability of these populations due to factors already widely discussed in the literature on health and migration. Gender, skin color, and social status also affected their living conditions, access to health, and social protection. Despite the difficulties and disinformation, the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), the social protection system, the role of civil society organizations, and migrants were essential for access to services and benefits. It also highlights, as a result, the formation of solidarity networks promoted by NGOs and by the people themselves. Conclusions The research highlights the need for policies and actions related to work, housing, strengthening social and community networks, and strengthening socio-political spaces that value the protagonism of international migrants and human rights.