Objective:

Understanding health surveillance (sv) from the perspective of workers in this sector.

Materials and method:

Qualitative study under the comprehensive-interpretative method, in which 28 professionals linked to the sv of a Brazilian State and its capital were interviewed. The collected material was analyzed through the content analysis technique.

Results:

Four thematic categories emerged in relation to SV: conception; intrinsic and extrinsic articulation; potentialities and challenges. Participants presented an expanded conception about sv, although the technical and biomedical vision still remain as the main approach.

Conclusions:

Among the potentialities, participants reported satisfaction and commitment in the exercise of their functions. As for the difficulties, they revealed discouraging aspects based on the current scenario. In this direction, participants pointed as key elements the allocation of more funds and investment in the sector, more recognition and value to their careers, and the need for greater support from service management.

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