Nurses’ relevance in a century of tuberculosis prevention actions in Brazil

OBJECTIVE: to reflect on the historical role of nurses in tuberculosis prevention in Brazil, considering their inclusion in public policies and advances in Primary Health Care. DEVELOPMENT: based on documents from the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health, and the literature, this study reflected on nursing care management for people with tuberculosis infection over a century in Brazil. RESULTS: the role of this professional in the formulation and implementation of preventive public policies for tuberculosis stands out, since 1920, in education, vaccination, home care and, recently, coordinating care management in Primary Care. Competencies have been expanded, supported by resolutions and opinions, consolidating the role of nurses in clinical and managerial practices, particularly in tuberculosis preventive treatment. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the Interministerial Committee and the Healthy Brazil Program are currently reinforcing intersectoral action and the leading role of nurses, strengthening their contribution to the national response against tuberculosis.