Brazilian Capitals Research Articles

The challenge of urban solid waste management in Brazil

The National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS) and its regulation originated a new reference for the integrated and sustainable solid waste management in the country and new challenges for the implementation and improvement of the selective collection service provision in the municipalities. The purpose of this research is to identify the efficiency level of urban solid waste management in the Brazilian capitals during the period from 2002 to 2016. To measure the efficiency, the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique was used. The sample consisted of 20 Brazilian capitals. After measuring efficiency, the logistic regression technique was used to measure the contribution of each variable used in the DEA technique. As a result, it was observed that the number of materials recovered is very low compared to the number of materials collected, the municipality that collected the most materials was Vitória in 2015 and the municipality that recovered the most waste was Florianópolis in 2013.

Aerodynamic Behavior and Stability of the Tall and Slender Brasilia Telecom Tower

The 192 m tall Brasilia Telecom Tower was designed in 1958 as part of the infrastructure of the new capital of Brazil. During its more than 55 years in service, a great number of accessories and antennas have been attached to the upper third of its height altering the lumped mass distribution and the wind loading on the tower structure. To evaluate the effect of such alterations, a comprehensive study of the aerodynamic behavior and structural stability was performed with the aid of a 3D computational model of the complete tower structure and short-term dynamic monitoring. This procedure allowed the structural model to be validated through the correlation between theoretical and experimental vibration frequencies and aerodynamic displacement amplitudes. The computational model was then used to obtain time-domain responses of the tower structure under the action of turbulent wind loading for various wind directions. It was found that the existing antennas and their supports caused a considerable increase in the aerodynamic forces and consequent response amplitudes. Two alternative solutions were then considered: structural reinforcement of elements and the installation of dynamic control devices. Both alternatives are described briefly, and their efficiency is discussed in light of the numerical results obtained.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND MORTALITY DUE TO COVID-19 IN THE BRAZILIAN CAPITALS: AN ECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Few studies have analyzed the association between physical activity and hospitalizations or mortality as a result of the new coronavirus, particularly in Brazil. Objective: To analyze the association between physical activity and deaths by Covid-19 in the Brazilian capitals. Method: An observational cross-sectional ecological study, in which data on the prevalence of physical activity during leisure time, and deaths by Covid-19 were analyzed for twenty-six Brazilian capitals plus the Federal District. Data were collected through the Risk Factor Surveillance System for chronic non-communicable diseases, and SUS Analytical for COVID-19 in Brazil, of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. For the data analysis, simple Pearson correlation and multiple regression were used, with a level of significance of 5%. Results: The data show the existence of an inverse correlation between physical activity during leisure time and accumulated deaths (r = −0.44, p = 0.03), mortality rate/100,000 inhabitants (r = −0.43, p = 0.02), and the lethality of the disease (r = −0.51, p = 0.01). They also show an inverse association between physical activity during leisure time and accumulated deaths (β = −485.1, p = 0.04), as well as with the lethality of the disease (β = −0.21, p = 0.02), even after adjusting for confounding variables. Conclusion: The inverse association observed between physical activity, accumulated deaths, and lethality of Covid-19 can bring important reflections on the actions that have been implemented by government agencies, at both state and municipal levels, in relation to the practice of physical activity by the population. Level of evidence III; Cross-sectional ecological study.

The auxílio emergencial and stringent social distancing policies in Brazil: the impact on mobility and non-work travel outside the home

Non-pharmaceutical interventions to increase physical distancing have been instrumental in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Governments have enacted stringent public health policies that impose limits on mobility outside the household. However, for containment policies to be effective, there is a growing understanding that emergency aid programs must be designed to ensure that the most vulnerable receive financial and in-kind aid resources to support their ability to “stay at home.” In this study, we use survey data from an Oxford USP-FGV collaborative research initiative to empirically assess the effectiveness of these two policies in reducing mobility with an eye to those at-risk or living in conditions of poverty in eight Brazilian capitals. We learn that, in general, neither stringent public health policies and receipt nor promised receipt of the Auxílio Emergencial were effective in limiting mobility outside of the home. We do, however, find limited evidence that receipt or promised receipt of the Auxílio Emergencial marginally limited non-work trips outside of the home, especially in city/state combinations with stringent public health policies. We conclude by discussing the policy implications of our findings.

Outflow adjustment coefficient for the design of storage facilities using the rain envelope method applied to Brazilian state capitals

Detention devices are often used as alternative measures for stormwater control. The Envelope Curve Method is widely used in Brazil to estimate detention device volumes. This method estimates the storage volume based on inlet and outlet balance, where the inlet is obtained by the Rational Method and the outlet by orifice bottom discharge. Usually, the outlet flow is adopted as a constant and equivalent to the maximum allowed, and this procedure can cause reservoir undersizing. This paper evaluates detention control measures’ hydraulic behavior for the Envelope Curve Method and proposes the inclusion of an outflow adjustment coefficient (Cout), seeking to compensate for the adoption of constant outlet flow simplification. Values for this coefficient were estimated for several Brazilian state capitals, ranging from 0.62 up to 0.65. The undersizing hypothesis due to the adoption of constant outlet flow was confirmed, as the simulations showed the need for an increase between 8.4% to 16.8% in the device size. This undersizing may be compensated for by applying the outflow adjustment coefficient (Cout).
 Keywords: adjustment coefficient, detention facilities, envelope curve, hydrologic design outflow adjustment coefficient.

Criminal governance and systems of parallel justice: Practice and implications in Brazilian urban peripheries

This article analyzes the practice and implications of criminal governance through the effective exercise of a system of parallel justice. It is examined the case of the Brazilian gang Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), which since 1993 has evolved its scope moving from a powerful prison gang to a complex organization directed to drug trafficking, also having solid governance capacities in deprived urban areas. To examine PCC's judicial function of governance, our methodology is grounded in data triangulation, combining the analysis of documents from the Public Prosecutor's Office of São Paulo state (Brazil), interviews, and literature review. The research confirms empirically earlier conceptual developments on judicial criminal governance by showing a sophisticated parallel justice system by PCC that is operational in three ways. First, PCC manages a trial and punishment system in spaces under their control. Also the gang conducts mechanisms of dispute resolutions for the civilians under their control. Lastly, judicial governance support debt collection and contract enforcement activities. Furthermore, the article innovates by detailing that PCC's judicial function has different purposes depending on the group's hegemony in a given social space, impacting the conditions of peace or violence in these places.

Prevalence, Circumstances, and Risk Factors of Falls Among Community Dwelling Members of University of the Third Age.

Introduction: The transition from adolescence to adulthood involves a variety of physical, behavioral, and social transformations, often including tobacco use. Because understanding smoking at this stage is important for tobacco control, we aimed to analyze the prevalence of cigarette smoking in the Brazilian youth population.Methods: This study included participants aged 16–25 years from all Brazilian capitals. A standardized questionnaire was administered by trained healthcare professionals to collect information about sociodemographic status, sexual behavior, and tobacco use. The samples from each capital were weighted by age range and sex.Results: Of the 8,581 participants, 15.1% were current smokers, and 20.0% were former smokers; the average age at first tobacco use was 15.5 years. The prevalence of smoking in men was higher than that in women (20.1 vs. 10.3%, p < 0.01). Education level was associated with current smoking and former smoking. Participants with an elementary education level had a higher smoking prevalence (PR: 5.84, 95%, CI: 4.29–7.95) than those with a secondary education (PR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.63–2.93) and those with higher education. Those without current partners (PR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.03–1.56) also had a higher prevalence of smoking than those with partners, and participants who had a previous same-sex sexual experience smoked more (PR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.78–2.96) than those who did not. In addition, regular use of alcohol was associated with higher prevalence of cigarette smoking (PR: 5.65, 95% CI: 4.03–7.90) than a lack of alcohol consumption. Skin color and socioeconomic class did not exhibit significant relationships with tobacco use patterns.Conclusions: Smoking was associated with education level regardless of social class, and some specific behaviors associated with a same-sex sexual experience were associated with a higher prevalence of smoking. These findings are important for formulating policies and directing actions to combat and prevent smoking among young populations.

A brief study of public transportation and sustainable cities management during COVID-19 pandemic

This paper aims to analyse the measures adopted in Brazilian State Capitals and the Federal District, since the beginning of the pandemic, to ensure safety conditions in public transport against the possible contagion of COVID-19, suggesting sustainable actions aligned to SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities for the post-COVID future. Based on relevant data from March to July 2020, acquired from journals, newspapers, and municipal and governmental decrees, it was possible to identify measures adopted for public transportation during the first COVID-19 wave in Brazil. The results demonstrate that it is necessary to create a strategy and map the extent of population mobility in public transport. These information is essential for predicting risk areas, making decisions, and establishing effective control mechanisms. Innovative and sustainable urban mobility requires clear policies and cooperation between public authorities and private transportation companies and investment in public roads and infrastructure and sustainable actions aligned with SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities ​​for the post-COVID future.

Time trend of overweight and obesity prevalence among older people in Brazilian State Capitals and the Federal District from 2006 to 2019.

Although the share of older people has been growing in Brazil in past decades, studies investigating trends in overweight and obesity prevalence in this population remain scarce. The objective of this study was to analyze the time trend of overweight and obesity prevalence in older adults in Brazilian State Capitals and the Federal District from 2006 to 2019. This is a time trend study based on data from the Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey. The subsample used was composed of individuals aged 60years or older (n = 202,049). Self-reported weight and height data were used to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). Overweight (BMI ≥ 25kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30kg/m2) prevalence were estimated per year for the total population and according to sex, age, schooling, region, and NCD presence. Prais-Winsten regression models were used to identify significant trends in overweight and obesity prevalence over the years. Overweight prevalence increased (p < 0.05) from 53.7 to 61.4% (1.09% per year) within the assessed period, whereas obesity prevalence increased from 16.1 to 22.3% (2.28% per year). Greater increases were observed among men, those aged 70years old and over, with more than 9-year of schooling, and from less developed regions. The highest increases were observed in groups with the lowest values at the beginning of the study period. Results evidenced the high and growing prevalence of overweight and obesity among older people in Brazilian.

A Transpessoalidade na Escola: novas abordagens subjetivas da Pedagogia do Cinema

Cinema as a universal art provides the construction of the historical, critic, aesthetic and philosophical knowledge. It represents, with the cross-disciplinary aesthetics of teaching, a real possibility of development of the cultural education by allowing us to understand the subjectivity of social life, within a worldview that commonly resonates in the school universe. In this study, it is aimed to understand, in experiential terms, how the pedagogical application of cinema could impact in Youth &amp; Adult Education (EJA), by addressing the experience of a pedagogical intervention carried out with students in the capital of Brazil. Thus, one of the challenges of this project is to mediate a cross-cultural dialogue at curricular level, in compliance with the perspectives of Brazil’s Education Law (LDB, BRAZIL, 2013), in a way that those knowledges already constituted in the curriculum can be conciliated with elements of cultural diversity of these students, by means of cross-disciplinarity of cinema. With the purpose of an education of sensibility towards the construction of more healthy, harmonious and cooperative relations, aiming the personal and collective betterment of a culture of peace, a didactic method based on transpersonal psychology is also implemented.

Ethnic, racial and socioeconomic disparities in breast cancer survival in two Brazilian capitals between 1996 and 2012

ObjectiveTo study the impact of socio-economic status and ethno-racial strata on excess mortality hazard and net survival of women with breast cancer in two Brazilian state capitals. MethodWe conducted a survival analysis with individual data from population-based cancer registries including women with breast cancer diagnosed between 1996 and 2012 in Aracaju and Curitiba. The main outcomes were the excess mortality hazard (EMH) and net survival. The associations of age, year of diagnosis, disease stage, race/skin colour and socioeconomic status (SES) with the excess mortality hazard and net survival were analysed using multi-level spline regression models, modelled as cubic splines with knots at 1 and 5 years of follow-up. ResultsA total of 2045 women in Aracaju and 7872 in Curitiba were included in the analyses. The EMH was higher for women with lower SES and for black and brown women in both municipalities. The greatest difference in excess mortality was seen between the most deprived women and the most affluent women in Curitiba, hazard ratio (HR) 1.93 (95%CI 1.63–2.28). For race/skin colour, the greatest ratio was found in Curitiba (HR 1.35, 95%CI 1.09–1.66) for black women compared with white women. The most important socio-economic difference in net survival was seen in Aracaju. Age-standardised net survival at five years was 55.7% for the most deprived women and 67.2% for the most affluent. Net survival at eight years was 48.3% and 61.0%, respectively. Net survival in Curitiba was higher than in Aracaju in all SES groups.” ConclusionOur findings suggest the presence of contrasting breast cancer survival expectancy in Aracaju and Curitiba, highlighting regional inequalities in access to health care. Lower survival among brown and black women, and those in lower SES groups indicates that early detection, early diagnosis and timely access to treatment must be prioritized to reduce inequalities in outcome among Brazilian women.

Online-based intervention on LGBTI+ health promotion in Brazil: development and preliminary impacts

Abstract Background Brazil reports public healthcare gaps concerning lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) people. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are online-based teaching interventions, however their use is still scarce in Brazil. We aim to describe the development and to analyze preliminary impacts of the first online-based intervention through MOOCs for LGBTI+ health promotion in Brazil. Methods We adopted mixed qualitative and quantitative approaches, based on participatory-action research: 1) to design the content and format of the MOOC, we conducted 10 focus groups during 2018 and 2019 with key stakeholders in three different Brazilian State capitals, identifying needs and challenges and linking it with guidelines of the National Policy for Comprehensive Health of LGBTI+ people; 2) based on step 1, we developed the MOOC, producing reading content, video-classes and multimedia; 3) we quantitatively analyzed, through a survey, its impact and reach after six months. Results The results showed that: a) focus groups were essentials to inform the priorities to design a tailored MOOC; b) the MOOC had 30 hours of autonomous learning activities divided into two modules, with problem-based evaluation; c) the first ten-month of the course had a total of 5,000 people enrolled with a completion rate of approximately 30%; d) 1,700 successfully completed the course; e) 582 participants joined the survey post-course evaluation and for 370 (63.6%) of them, this was the first training activity on LGBTI+ health. Conclusions Results point to a high interest in LGBTI+ health and high demand for training on this topic among health professionals. The MOOC format was successful and reliable in enabling the teaching-learning process. Key messages Participatory action research was able to inform the content of the first MOOC for LGBTI+ health in Brazil. The MOCC had high interest, and for the majority of concluding participants it was the first activity and formal education about LGBTI+ health.

Hospital admissions and place of death prior and during COVID-19: Real-world data from a Brazilian cancer center.

313 Background: Treatment decisions for patients with cancer have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the increased risk of infection among this population. In recognition of the impact of COVID-19 in Brazil, this study sought to explore the potential consequences of this disruption to oncology care by comparing the prevalence and place of death one year prior to the pandemic (January 2019 to February 2020) and during the pandemic (March 2020 to March 2021). Methods: Consecutive patients with cancer receiving treatment at a single institution located in the capital of Brazil were included in this analysis. Patients’ characteristics were collected via chart review: age, sex, histology, COVID-19, hospital admission and place of death. Chi-square analysis was used to determine differences among this sample of patients (pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19). Results: We reviewed data from 3,833 patients (53% of patients during the pandemic). Patients’ characteristics were well balanced between both groups of patients. The proportion of patients with breast and prostate cancers increased (P &lt; 0.01). Rates of hospital admission were similar between both timepoint, with reasons for hospital admission also similar: surgery (22% vs 19%, respectively) and pulmonary dysfunction (14% vs 19%, respectively); 9% were diagnosed with COVID-19 during the pandemic. Similarly, no differences were found among rates of deaths between samples (7%); 42% of patients pre-COVID were receiving supportive care, while 40% were during pandemic. The proportion of patients dying at home was the same among both groups (12%). A slight increase was observed for those dying in the ICU (45% vs 46%, respectively) or hospital (35% vs 36%, respectively). Pre-COVID-19, no patient has died in the emergency room, and during pandemic, 3% has died). Conclusions: A similar proportion of hospital admission and place of death were found between patients prior and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most patients died in institutional settings. Future studies are needed to better understand patient’s wishes and preferences and to develop strategies to improve communication surrounding death and dying.

Neoliberal Platform Capitalism and Subjectivity

Across the globe, algorithmic technologies have undeniably altered the way labor relations are governed. The purpose of this article is to investigate a particular manifestation of that phenomenon: how, in Brazil, platform capitalism consists in a hybrid rationality whose control over the sphere of work combines new mechanisms of governance with structural characteristics that are particular to a type of precarious work commonly found in peripheral areas of Brazil, known as viração. While such a scenario presents us with a multitude of aspects worthy of consideration, this article focusese on the apparatuses for the psychic management of workers deployed by platform capitalism in Brazil. Within this scope, the article develops a double analysis: first, it examines the forms of subjectivity and the libidinal economy of Brazilian peripheral workers, with a particular emphasis on how certain of their characteristics have been subordinated, controlled, exploited, and ultimately disseminated by application software companies in Brazil; second, and conversely, it evaluates how the form of subjectivity associated with platform capitalism has, through the neoliberal discourse of self-entrepreneurship, impacted viração.

Patterns of hospital utilization in the Unified Health System in six Brazilian capitals: comparison between the year before and the first six first months of the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectiveTo analyze the temporal evolution of the pattern of hospital use in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.MethodsThis retrospective observational study compared hospital use and mortality in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) in the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic with the year before the onset of the pandemic in six Brazilian capitals (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Manaus, Fortaleza, Recife, and Brasilia). It was based on secondary administrative data from the SUS Hospital Information System (SIH), focusing on the number of hospitalizations per fortnight, age, and gender of patients, hospital length of stay, and the proportions of surgical, elective, with the use of ICU, and resulting in death hospitalizations. It also compared the number of hospitalizations and mortality related to frequent diagnostic groups.ResultsA significant drop was identified in the number of hospitalizations as of March 2020, with the first peak of COVID-19 hospitalizations in five capitals recorded in May 2020. In the six capitals, we observed significant reductions in the mean number of hospitalizations per fortnight from the beginning of the pandemic. We also identified an increase in the mean age of the patients and the proportion of male patients. The proportion of surgical and elective hospitalizations dropped significantly in all capitals, while the proportion of hospitalizations with ICU use increased significantly. Significant increases in-hospital mortality were also recorded in the six capitals with the pandemic, including or excluding COVID-19 hospitalizations from the comparison.ConclusionThe pandemic caused changes in the pattern of use and hospital indicators in the first six months in the cities considered, evidencing the need for attention to diseases with a hospital production altered by the COVID-19 course and health system performance problems in the face of challenges.

Binge Drinking Among Public Sector Food Service Workers in Brazil: Physical and Psychosocial Demands on Focus.

To investigate occupational risk factors associated with binge drinking (BD) among public sector food service workers in a Brazilian capital. All workers from the Government-backed Economy Restaurant Program (GbERP) in Belo Horizonte city were evaluated. BD was defined as consumption of five or more doses (male) or four or more doses (female) of alcoholic beverages on a single occasion within 30 days. Occupational psychosocial and physical stressors were the main exposure variables; sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle variables were inserted as potential confounding factors. We performed logistic regression. A total of 214 people participated in the study and 30.7% reported BD. Psychosocial (violence and high demands) and ergonomic aspects were associated with the outcome. There was a high prevalence of BD among GbERP workers. Actions are necessary to reduce violence and high strain and consequently BD.

Analysis of Hydrous Ethanol Price Competitiveness after the Implementation of the Fossil Fuel Import Price Parity Policy in Brazil

Competition is a relevant element in any open economy. Public policies are necessary to induce economic efficiency and to create conditions to preserve or stimulate a competitive environment. This paper aims to assess the competitiveness of hydrous ethanol price in a period of political, social and economic crises, in 15 Brazilian state capitals between the years 2012 and 2019. We compared the ethanol–gasoline price ratio behavior in two different periods, before and after the import parity price policy implemented by Petrobras in 2016. Mann–Whitney and Levene’s tests, two non-parametric statistical methods, were applied to verify significant changes between these periods. The implementation of changes in Petrobras’ pricing policy from 2016 onwards caused a statistically significant increase in the ratio coefficient of variation in two-thirds of the distribution market and more than the half of analyzed retail markets. Second, overall, the cities that showed statistically significant changes in the median and coefficient of variation in the distribution market price ratio were followed by the retail market. Our findings suggest that government interventions in the fuel and byproduct final selling prices to distributors negatively impact competition between companies that are part of the fuel distribution and retail chain, also affecting the sale of biofuels in Brazil and discouraging the initiatives to use renewable fuels to reduce the emission of pollutants.

1283Licit and Illicit substances use among Brazilian youth population: a cross-sectional, nationwide study

Abstract Background Psychoactive substances are increasing within the young population enhancing exposure to sexual risks, violence and mortality by preventable causes. Moreover, the use of these substances at this stage of life can be a predictor of abuse in adult live. Thus, this study aims to examine the patterns of drugs use in Brazilian young adults. Methods A cross sectional study was performed in all Brazilian capitals between September-2016 to December-2017. 8581 participants aged 16 to 25 years answered a structured interview with socio and behavioral questions. The sample was weighted in each capital by age range and sex. Results Alcohol (71.6%), cannabis (27.4%), and cocaine (9.9%) were the most common addictive substances experienced once in life in the sample. The regular use in the past 12 months was reported in 40.5%, 12.5% and 2.5%, respectively. Significant differences were observed between men and women in regular use of alcohol (48.7% and 32.5%, p&amp;lt;.001), cannabis (18.8% and 6.3%, p&amp;lt;.001) and cocaine (3.8% and 1.4%, p&amp;lt;.001). Also observed high drug consumption regarding to low education level, upper class population and who had partner presence. Additionally, participants who had previous homosexual relationship had high rates of regular alcohol (65.9%) and cannabis use (22.6%). Conclusions Brazilian youth showed high rates of psychoactive substances use mainly alcohol and cannabis. Thus, knowledge about the patterns of alcohol and drugs use in this population is important to direct actions and prevent associated risks. Key message High rates of alcohol and cannabis use are reported in Brazilian youth population.

1281Prevalence and associated factors of cigarette smoking among youth population in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background The transition of adolescence to adulthood involves a variety of physical, behavioral and social transformations including try tobacco product. Understand smoking at this stage is important to tobacco control. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the use of cigarette smoking in Brazilian youth. Methods Nationwide study including participants aged 16 to 25 years from all Brazilian capitals between September/2016-December/2017. A standardized questionnaire with behavioral questions was applied by trained health care professionals. The sample was weighted in each capital by age range and sex. Results Of 8,581 participants (50.8% women), 15.1% were smokers and 20% former smokers. The average age of first use was 15.5 years. Smoking in men was higher than women (20.1% vs. 10.3%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Those with elementary school smoked twice more compared to high school (25.6% vs. 13.6%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Smoking was also associated to do not have a current partner when compared to those with partner (18.3% vs. 14.1%, p = 0.031), and who have had previous homosexual relationship (30.5%) compared to heterosexual individuals (12.5%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). In addition, smoking was associated to the regular use of alcohol compared to those who do not use (28.1% vs. 3.8%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Skin color and social economic class didn’t show significant differences. Conclusions In this study be a man, have low education, a homosexual and alcohol use is associated to smoking among young. These findings are important for creation of policies to combat and prevent smoking in this population. Key message Smoking data among young people is important to direct new heath policies.

Fighting for human rights to water in times of sanitary crisis: social pricing for affordable water in Brazil

BACKGROUND AND AIM: ONDAS (Observatório Nacional dos Direitos à Água e ao Saneamento – National Observatory of Water and Sanitation Rights – homepage: https://ondasbrasil.org/) which acronym means WAVES in English, is an entity congregating professionals, academics, students and activist from urban, rural, water and forest grassroots movements. Emerged from 2018 Alternative World Water Forum, the observatory is dedicated to production and dissemination of critical knowledge and presents itself as a platform of technical and political action fighting for human rights to water and sanitation. METHODS: Amidst the ongoing encroachment of ultraliberal efforts to privatise sanitation services in Brazil, ONDAS has been campaigning resistance strategies in favour of public systems of sanitation, accessible to all and held accountable through wide social participation. The observatory also joined solidarity efforts to provide aid for low-income urban population, who have been suffering the most from the many disruptions brought by COVID-19, worsened by Bolsonaro’s genocidal politics. RESULTS:One of ONDAS’ output from its strategy of producing critical knowledge is the newly published e-book “Water as a Right: Social Pricing as Strategy for Affordability”. Discussing the human right to water and sanitation service, this publication focuses on the analysis of social pricing as instrument to make such services affordable based on a research conducted in seven Brazilian capitals and the Federal District. The benefits of social pricing are examined in cities with different arrangements for sanitation provision, and the analysis highlights possibilities of promoting the instrument to assure better supply of services to people in most need. CONCLUSIONS:Social pricing is understood as one of the strategies towards affordability, since even low cost solutions may still be unaffordable for people living in poverty. It is understood that the minimum amount of potable water to allow drinking, cooking, house cleaning, and personal hygiene must be provided for everyone, in every condition. KEYWORDS: Water quality, Socio-economic factors, Policy and practice, COVID-19