Perception of municipal managers of the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System: a multicenter qualitative study

Abstract This study aimed to understand the perceptions of primary healthcare managers of the Brazilian Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN). This qualitative study was conducted in the five Brazilian regions with 13 experienced public managers from Rio Branco, Niterói, Novo Hamburgo, Fortaleza, and Cuiabá. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and the analysis of the discursive material involved thematic analysis and summaries between the empirical material, the theoretical framework (public health and philosopher Michel Foucault), and contextual inputs. Three themes emerged: unicipal manager in the Unified Health System; feeding SISVAN is the entire team’s problem, challenge, and role; and management strategies and perspectives to improve the coverage and quality of SISVAN data. SISVAN was understood as a powerful tool for the Health System. However, some challenges emerged, such as an overload of the health system, managers, and professionals, scarce resources, and precarious work. Understanding health work as a micropolitics and relational field was essential to promote interprofessionality and the participation of all those involved.