The Climate Tragedy in Rio Grande do Sul and the National Force of the SUS: resilience-centered public policy in the face of new health crises.

Abstract

The effects of climate change, such as the record floods in Rio Grande do Sul in 2024, highlight the need for resilience in health systems to cope with health crises. The National Force of the Unified Health System (FN-SUS), established in 2011, operates in prevention, assistance, and response to disasters and epidemiological emergencies. During the 2024 floods, FN-SUS mobilized quickly, setting up field hospitals and providing medical care, managing chronic conditions, preventing infectious diseases, and offering mental health support. This study suggests that FN-SUS, by strengthening the SUS's capacity to respond to disasters, can also develop resilience to less intense events. It proposes that FN-SUS should be a continuous and proactive program with multisectoral coordination and adequate funding to ensure the maintenance of essential public health functions and the SUS's readiness for future crises.