(DIS)INFORMATION AGE

DENIALISM AND DEVALUATION OF SCIENCE IN BOLSONARIST STRATEGY IN THE FACE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

The present work has the goal to reflect on the Bolsonarist government strategy  during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was guided by features such as devaluation of science  and denialism. Thus, it reflects on the conservatism in Brazilian society and its impacts on Health Policy, especially in times where the extreme right is on rise. The communication’s role on the denialism phenomenon is also highlighted, giving shape to its strategies and characteristics and reflecting on its profound impacts on the pandemic context. Therefore, it was not a lack of leadership in the pandemic scenario made by Bolsonaro’s government, but these characteristics, in fact, compose its management strategy. The centrality of the Unified Health System and the importance of its fortification are highlighted. Finally, we also seek to point out ways on how to face denialism and anti-scientific discourse based on an education focused on scientific culture. The reflections contained here, in this way, seek to contribute to a current debate about the science and Brazilian Health Policy fortification.