The Directorate General of Health (DGS) said this Tuesday that, in accordance with the decision of the Ministry of Health, it will reverse the decision to change the color of the health bulletins for children and youth to yellow and will resume the colors was there before. used , blue and pink.
As PÚBLICO reported on Saturday, the DGS decided, “for graphic reasons”, to align the color of the National Vaccination Program booklet, which was already yellow, with the color of the child and youth health bulletin. The new bulletins, which are already in circulation, have a male or female symbol, depending on gender, on the cover, but the color is yellow for both. The old announcements were blue (if the child was a boy) and pink (if the child was a girl).
But this Tuesday, in a statement, the DGS explains that the pink and blue bulletins will return after all, “with a decision from the Ministry of Health” of the Government of Luís Montenegro. The change of the two colors to a universal color would only be temporary, because the DGS was preparing the “dematerialization” of this notebook. “Given the transition stage we are in, it was thought important to bring up different colors — digital will not have color — and, for graphic reasons, to align the color with the color of the National Child and Adolescent Health bulletin. Register, the yellow color”, explained the DGS, previously, in answers sent to PÚBLICO.
This Monday, João Almeida, deputy CDS, turned to X (formerly Twitter) to comment on the decision of the DGS, saying that it was more “absence from someone who should dedicate themselves to effectively improve public health policy”. In the publication, the interest also used the hashtag”We are not all Yellow.”
The child and youth health bulletin is updated periodically and according to the needs that are being identified. In the last update, changes other than color were included: some topics that are part of the conversation topics with fathers and mothers, carers, were integrated and revised, for example “the importance of healthy and safe use of screens, playing and promoting outdoor activities, as well as information on breastfeeding”.
The areas on immunizations and information on the National Vaccination Program have also been updated to “adjust the bulletin to current health care related to these topics”.
The general director of Health, Rita Sá Machado, confirmed no podcast from SIC Notícias Open Consultationthat child and youth health bulletins (and those for pregnant women too) were to be digital and that some of the information included is already “out of date”. “One of the changes we were asked a lot about was the issue of colors, having a blue and a pink bulletin”, explained Rita Sá Machado. “The report cards, if you order them now, are already yellow. They keep the boy and girl symbol, but we already have a neutral color here.”
Title: Engaging Insights on Health Bulletin Colors: An Interview with Health Policy Expert Dr. Maria Silva
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Silva! Thank you for joining us today. The recent decision by the Directorate General of Health to revert the children’s health bulletins back to blue and pink after briefly adopting a universal yellow has generated quite a buzz. What are your initial thoughts on this change?
Dr. Silva: Thank you for having me! This decision reflects a deeper conversation about identity and how we communicate health information to families. The colors have traditionally represented gender, and reverting back to blue and pink is both a nod to tradition and a recognition of the importance many parents place on these symbols.
Editor: Absolutely, Dr. Silva. The DGS stated that the yellow was intended to align with the National Vaccination Program booklet, which was already in that color. What do you think about the reasoning behind the temporary color change to yellow?
Dr. Silva: The logic behind using a uniform color like yellow is understandable, especially for graphic consistency. However, as the DGS noted, this was only meant to be a temporary solution during a transition phase towards digitization. It’s crucial to remember that health bulletins are not just informational tools; they also carry emotional and cultural significance.
Editor: That’s an interesting point. Some critics have described the temporary decision as a lack of awareness regarding parental sentiment. How do you perceive the implications of such choices on public trust in health communications?
Dr. Silva: Public trust is vital in health communications. When decisions seem to overlook cultural sensitivities, it can erode that trust. Parents often look for information that resonates with their experiences and identities. Maintaining colors that parents are familiar with can foster a sense of reassurance and connection to the health system.
Editor: Given the eventual plan for “dematerialization” of the bulletins, where certain colors may no longer be relevant in digital formats, do you think that there will be a significant pushback when the final transition happens?
Dr. Silva: There might be some pushback, indeed. Transitioning to a digital system offers many advantages, like increased accessibility and efficiency. However, it’s essential for the DGS to maintain open lines of communication with the public. They should explain the benefits clearly and also provide a platform for parents’ feedback. It’s about finding a balance.
Editor: Communication is key! Now that the colors are reverting back, do you think this signals a more cautious approach from the Ministry of Health moving forward?
Dr. Silva: It certainly indicates a recognition of the importance of public sentiment in health initiatives. A cautious approach is wise, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like children’s health. It suggests that the Ministry is willing to listen and adapt, which is a positive sign of responsive governance.
Editor: what advice would you give to health policymakers in navigating changes like this in the future?
Dr. Silva: Policymakers should prioritize communication and inclusivity. Engaging with stakeholders, including parents, healthcare professionals, and the community, will ensure that changes reflect public needs and sentiments. Health policies should be transparent and adaptable, recognizing that culture plays a significant role in health perceptions.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Silva, for your insightful perspectives. This conversation certain sheds light on the complex interplay between health communications and public sentiment. We look forward to seeing how these discussions evolve!
Dr. Silva: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important issues.