The Bolsa Família Program and health conditionalities: challenges of intergovernmental and intersectoral coordination

ABSTRACT The existence of health conditionalities in income transfer programs is controversial and requires coordination between social areas. The aim of the study was to discuss the health conditionalities of the Bolsa Família Program, considering national guidelines and the intergovernmental and intersectoral relations. It involved literature review, documental analysis, analysis of secondary data and twenty interviews. Frailties have been observed in the relations between levels of government and sectors in the program management. There was no evidence that the existence and monitoring of health conditionalities per se contributes to the right to health and interruption of the cycle of poverty.