PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSES TO PANDEMICS IN BRAZIL: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN SPANISH FLU, H1N1 AND COVID-19

Abstract

This study analyzed Brazil's responses to three pandemics that marked its health history: the Spanish Flu (1918), H1N1 (2009), and COVID-19 (2020). The problem investigated focused on the weaknesses and advances of public health policies in crisis contexts. The general objective was to understand, through a comparative analysis, how the country responded to these emergencies, considering institutional, social, and ethical aspects. The research used a qualitative, bibliographic methodology, based on Brazilian authors in the fields of public health, history of medicine, and bioethics. The results indicated that there were significant advances in the institutional field, such as the creation of the Unified Health System (SUS) and the consolidation of epidemiological surveillance. However, persistent social inequalities, federative disarticulation, and gaps in public communication were identified. The analysis revealed that, while the H1N1 pandemic presented a coordinated technical response, COVID-19 was marked by political tensions, scientific denialism and an overload of the health system. Brazilian scientific institutions, such as Fiocruz and the Butantan Institute, played a decisive role in mitigating the health impacts. It was concluded that the historical memory of pandemics should be incorporated into the planning of health policies. Strengthening the SUS, investing in science and valuing equity emerged as central elements for preparing for future health emergencies.