Democratization of comprehensive health and community care: a report on experiences from the Brazilian national health day with waste pickers residing in the Crateús municipal landfill, Ceará, Brazil.

This study reports a social action carried out on National Health Day at a municipal landfill in the state ofCeará, focusing on the democratization of comprehensive health and community care. The work, of a qualitative anddescriptive nature, exposes the reality of recyclable material collectors, a historically marginalized social group that facesunhealthy working conditions and health, environmental, and socio-economic vulnerabilities. The action, promoted byvolunteers, included services such as blood pressure measurement, blood glucose testing, fluoride application,distribution of oral hygiene kits, and vaccination guidance. In addition to immediate assistance, the aim was to promotehealth education and raise awareness about the rights of this population, highlighting the absence of effective publicpolicies to protect these workers. The study emphasizes the need for structural strategies that ensure not only access tohealth but also the dignity and social recognition of the collectors, reinforcing the importance of community andgovernmental initiatives to mitigate inequalities and strengthen support networks for these vulnerable populations.