Abrangência do plano de saneamento municipal e internações por doenças hídricas em Minas Gerais

Abstract

Inadequate sanitation conditions are identified as one of the main causes of the incidence of waterborne diseases, as they result in the contamination of water by pathogens, which is aggravated by the inadequate disposal of solid waste and water and soil pollution. Efforts to mitigate these diseases in the state of Minas Gerais include expanding the scope of the municipal sanitation plan, a strategic document that establishes guidelines and targets for basic sanitation in municipalities. This study therefore aimed to analyze the relationship between the municipal sanitation plan coverage index and the proportion of hospitalizations due to waterborne diseases in the municipalities of that state in the period 2013-2021. To this end, data from the João Pinheiro Foundation's Minas Gerais Social Responsibility Index (IMRS) was used and an econometric model with dynamic panel data was estimated, showing a positive relationship between plan coverage and the proportion of hospitalizations due to waterborne diseases. One possible explanation for this result is that an increase in sanitation coverage can increase the detection and notification of waterborne diseases. Furthermore, it is possible that there will be a period of adaptation following the implementation of the plan and possible improvements to the sanitation system.