Vigilância da qualidade da água para consumo humano: uma análise da comunicação entre o programa vigiagua Natal e a população

Abstract

Objective: To analyze how communication between the Vigiagua/Natal program and the population is conducted. Method: This is a descriptive, quantitative, and documentary study, conducted within the Vigiagua program in the municipality of Natal. Data were collected from the official public pages of the Natal city government, covering the period from 2015 to 2024. The variables analyzed included the title, publication date, presence of intersectoral actions, and the topic. Data were examined using simple descriptive statistics. Results: During the study period, 41 news articles about Vigiagua were published on the official website of the Natal city government, with a peak in 2017. Communication of the program's actions involved various institutions and/or sectors connected to the city government, as well as other public or private entities. The most common topics included drinking water quality monitoring and inspection activities; events, campaigns, and celebrations; specific projects and initiatives; reports and data dissemination; interinstitutional partnerships and cooperation; and disease prevention and control actions. Conclusion: Vigiagua Natal plays a crucial role in reducing public health risks. However, its effectiveness depends on efficient and accessible communication with society regarding information dissemination and community engagement. In this context, creating an official social media platform could be a strategic solution.