Nursing in primary health care: school health and home visits as a strategy for inclusion and equity

Objective: To analyze the role of nurses in Primary Health Care through educational actions carried out within the scope of the School Health Program and home visits, considering their potential contribution to reducing health inequities in Brazil. Methods: Ecological study using secondary data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health's information system for the year 2023. A matrix based on Advanced Practice Nursing competencies was used to assess nurses' performance in collective school and community health actions. Descriptive and spatial analyses were performed, with standardization of indicators by population and adjustment by professional density. Results: The Southeast and Northeast regions presented the highest adjusted and standardized rates of activities carried out by nurses in school health and home/institutional visits. The North region showed lower relative frequency, highlighting structural inequalities in achieving comprehensive access to health services. Conclusion: The role of nurses in Primary Health Care, especially in schools and homes, stands out as an effective strategy for promoting equity and addressing social health inequities. Strengthening Nursing and investing in intersectoral policies are essential to expand access and enhance educational and preventive actions in vulnerable territories. (AU)