Author Archives: andreasilva

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#bireme58years – Digital Transformation, AI and Access to Information

March 2025 marks the 58th anniversary of BIREME – the Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) – one of the longest-lived and most strategic institutions in the Region of the Americas. Founded in 1967 as the Regional Library of Medicine, BIREME maintains its original mission of facilitating access to scientific and technical health information, while reinventing itself in the face of contemporary challenges posed by digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and the growing demand for quality knowledge to guide public health decisions.

Over more than five decades, BIREME has established itself as a reference center in health information and knowledge management, with a technical cooperation model based on the creation and development of Virtual Health Libraries (VHL) and other information products, which are structured in regional networks and aligned with the needs of health systems in Latin American and Caribbean countries. Linked to the PAHO/WHO Department of Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health (EIH), the Center operates in close collaboration with national, regional and global institutions and networks.

Digital transformation and innovation guide the 2023-2025 Strategy

In recent years, BIREME has advanced in a process of institutional transformation that reflects the changes in the global ecosystem of scientific information. The BIREME 2023-2025 Strategy introduces three central pillars: strengthening decision-making capacity in health systems; expanding strategic partnerships and regional technical cooperation; and digital innovation using advanced technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI).

Among the recent milestones, the VHL stands out as a key part of its technical cooperation program, launched in 1998 and currently bringing together 58 sources of information, more than 39 million records and an annual average of 41 million sessions on the Regional Portal. Recognized as Good Practice in South-South Cooperation by the United Nations at the age of 27, the VHL continues to be one of the main gateways to scientific health information in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The VHL’s main source of information, the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) database, which has been in operation for 40 years, also reflects BIREME’s 58-year history of promoting the science produced in the region. With more than 1.1 million scientific and technical documents from Latin America and the Caribbean, LILACS was expanded in 2024 with the launch of LILACS Plus — an integrated collection of around 2 million records from LILACS, MEDLINE and other sources. The initiative strengthens the visibility of regional scientific production and its inclusion in global health information flows.

AI initiatives and regional and global cooperation

The application of AI in information management processes was also highlighted in 2024 with the development of DeCS Finder AI, a tool that speeds up and improves the automatic indexing of documents with Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS/MeSH), a system used by hundreds of institutions to organize health literature.

In the same context, BIREME expanded its activities in the production of Evidence Maps, a graphic resource that supports the systematization of scientific studies to support the formulation of public policies. In all, there are 72 evidence maps available, 17 of which were launched in 2024 alone, with a new platform under development for AI-based integration.

The cooperative dimension of BIREME’s work is manifested in the intense agenda of meetings with the VHL Network and its associated networks, which registered a 20% increase in participation in 2024, with 22 sessions held and more than 100 connections per meeting, bringing together countries from all over the region. At the global level, BIREME leads actions such as the Global Index Medicus (GIM), now with more than 2 million records; and the development of the Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL), scheduled for global launch at the Second WHO World Summit on Traditional Medicine in December 2025.

New products, digital health and institutional strengthening

With Brazil’s Ministry of Health and PAHO Brazil, BIREME has been collaborating on the development of digital solutions aimed at Primary and Specialized Health Care. One of the highlights is the new Formative Second Opinion (SOF) program, which answers frequently asked questions from health teams based on contextualized evidence for Brazil’s Unified Health System – SUS. Another example is the Decision Support Platform, aimed at the general population, which seeks to improve the care process and the autonomy of citizens.

In addition, BIREME provides technical support to the Interagency Health Information Network (RIPSA) with the development of APIs, plugins and improvements in indicator publication flows, strengthening the analytical capacity of the Brazilian health system.

Internally, the Centre is making progress in adopting agile methodologies, modernizing its computer infrastructure and qualifying its technical and management staff as a high-performance team. The promotion of an organizational culture geared towards innovation, together with the continuous strengthening of institutional partnerships and the diversification of its funding sources, are key strategies for guaranteeing institutional sustainability and expanding BIREME’s impact in the near future.

58 years in health knowledge

BIREME’s trajectory is marked by its strategic role as a bridge between science and health action, supporting managers, professionals, researchers, users, and citizens in building more informed, resilient, and evidence-based health systems. This mission, which has been continuously continually renewed over the years, remains highly relevant to current and future challenges in the Region.

“At 58 years of age, BIREME reaffirms its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and equitable access to scientific and technical health information. In an ever-changing world, this mission is even more important to promote the health and well-being of the people of the Americas. It is an honor and a privilege to lead the Center at this moment. I salute and thank the entire BIREME family — our staff, institutional partners, and users — for their commitment to this journey.”

João Paulo Souza, Director of BIREME/PAHO/WHO.

Fuente: https://boletin.bireme.org/en/2025/03/31/bireme58years-digital-transformation-ai-and-access-to-information/

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The Way Forward for the Virtual Health Library After 27 Years

In March 2025, the Virtual Health Library (VHL) celebrates its 27th anniversary as a consolidated strategic model for health information management in Latin America and the Caribbean (LA&C). To celebrate the date, BIREME is reaffirming its commitment to the VHL Network by modernizing and integrating national instances into the VHL Regional Portal, promoting more equitable and representative access to scientific and technical information produced in the region.

According to Verônica Abdala Information Products and Services manager at BIREME/PAHO/WHO, experts and managers recognized the need to reformulate and realign the model to the current digital and information context. For Abdala, the VHL is still a powerful and efficient model, but it needs to evolve to maintain its relevance and impact. “The VHL can and must contribute even more to the mission of expanding access to health information in the region. The integration of the national instances into the Regional Portal is an essential step in this process,” she pointed out.

New phase: integration of national instances

The main advance in the next cycle of development of the VHL will be the expansion of the Regional Portal of the VHL and the creation of spaces for the integration of national instances. With this innovation, all countries in the network will have visibility within the platform in an individualized but integrated way. “Our proposal is to build personalized spaces for each country, bringing together in a single environment all the scientific and technical output available in each country in the region,” announced Verônica.

In the current model, some countries operate national instances of the VHL with their own portals, which require local technical infrastructure and continuous updating activities. This dispersion has resulted in operational difficulties for maintenance. With the new approach, the VHL Regional Portal aims to consolidate itself as a single integrated and strengthened repository of the collections of information sources of the national instances, expanding bibliographic control and ensuring greater access and visibility to the scientific and technical output of the Region.

“We are promoting the creation of a large regional collection that includes the scientific and technical production of the countries, allowing each country to have its own space within the Regional Portal, customized to each context”, explained Veronica Abdala.

More inclusion and visibility for countries

The change will make it possible to include and broaden the representation of countries that face technical and operational challenges in implementing their national instances. In the new structure, countries that have significant scientific output, but do not currently have their own VHL portal, will now have a specific consolidated space within the Regional Portal to publicize their scientific output, promoting access, visibility and active participation in the construction of the Regional VHL.

For Joanita Barros, Senior Information Analyst at BIREME, “the integration of countries into the VHL Regional Portal will bring more sustainability to the VHL Network and promote a more equitable model, ensuring the visibility of each nation’s scientific output in a single, integrated and strengthened space. In addition, this new model will allow each country to concentrate its efforts on articulating its network, updating its collection and bibliographic control of its scientific output”.

Next steps

The implementation of the new model is at an early stage and is one of BIREME’s strategic priorities for 2025. A working group is being set up with representatives from different countries to discuss the development of the standards that will serve as the basis for the national pages. Moreover, the thematic instances of the VHL can also be connected to these virtual spaces, ensuring a more cohesive and organized structure.

“The world has changed and the VHL model needs to adapt to this new reality. The essence of networking, decentralized information management and cooperation between countries is still as relevant as ever,” highlighted Verônica Abdala.

With this reformulation, the VHL reinforces its commitment to the democratization of knowledge and the strengthening of the Network, promoting broader, more equitable and sustainable access to health information in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Source: https://boletin.bireme.org/en/2025/03/31/the-way-forward-for-the-virtual-health-library-after-27-years/

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VHL and LILACS: the 2025 calendar of technical meetings is available

Two webinars characterized the launch of the 2025 Calendar of Meetings of Health Information Networks in Latin America and the Caribbean. The events also took place in the context of celebrations for the 58th anniversary of BIREME and the 27th anniversary of the Virtual Health Library (VHL), reinforcing the importance of regional cooperation to expand equitable access to scientific and technical health information.

The launch events featured a presentation by BIREME’s Director, João Paulo Souza, on the “Perspectives of the Virtual Health Library for the year 2025”. João Paulo presented the development priorities for the year, emphasizing the importance of open access to scientific and technical information as a strategy for achieving equity in health. The Director also acknowledged the supporters of BIREME and the VHL Network, and the collaborative efforts of technical cooperation.

The first webinar, held on March 13, brought together 166 participants from 20 Latin American countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. The strategic objectives for 2025 were presented, highlighting the restructuring of the VHL instances, the digitization and automation of indexing processes, and the adoption of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain, to guarantee the integrity and free access to knowledge.

The second webinar, held on March 20, was dedicated to the MedCarib Network and brought together 17 participants from countries such as Belize, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The specific challenges and opportunities for the dissemination of health information in the Caribbean region were addressed, highlighting the need to expand the digital transformation in order to reach new levels of information use.

During his presentation, the director of BIREME, João Paulo Souza, highlighted the strategic importance of technical cooperation with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean in strengthening health information networks. He emphasized that BIREME’s work is aligned with the principles of equity, solidarity and universal access to scientific and technical health information, which are fundamental pillars of PAHO/WHO. According to the director, investing in the dissemination of knowledge and building regional capacities is essential for the advancement of public health and for tackling challenges such as disinformation and unequal access to reliable information.

João Paulo Souza presented the main advances and innovations developed by BIREME over the last year, with an emphasis on modernizing the products and services offered by the Center. Among the highlights, he mentioned improvements to the VHL platform, such as integration with new search and content curation resources, as well as expanding the use of artificial intelligence to support the discovery and organization of scientific information. Innovations related to LILACS were also presented, including improved management of editorial and indexing processes, with more intuitive tools aligned with the needs of collaborating networks.

The director also shared perspectives on the importance of strengthening interoperability between information systems, to ensure that the data and knowledge produced by health institutions in the region is more accessible and useful to researchers, managers, health professionals and citizens. In this regard, he highlighted the relevance of the DeCS/MeSH controlled vocabulary as an essential bridge for organizing and exchanging data in multiple languages and contexts.

Finally, João Paulo Souza reinforced BIREME’s commitment to the continuous training of national teams and recognized the essential role of the VHL Network and the MedCarib Network as part of the VHL ecosystem in the Americas. He invited all members of the network to actively engage in the 2025 calendar of sessions, taking advantage of the spaces for mutual learning, exchange of experiences and institutional strengthening. “Knowledge is a powerful tool for social transformation. Our role at BIREME is to ensure that this knowledge is accessible to all, in an equitable, timely and quality manner,” stated the director.

At both meetings, the 2025 Calendar was presented by Veronica Abdala, BIREME’s Information Products and Services manager. The program includes a total of 26 meetings throughout the year, with sessions held on Thursdays and activities planned until December.

In 2025, the events are being held via the Zoom platform and can be published on PAHOTV’s YouTube channel, expanding the reach of the discussions and promoting greater access to the content for the entire health information community in the region.

Source: https://boletin.bireme.org/en/2025/03/31/vhl-and-lilacs-the-2025-calendar-of-technical-meetings-is-available/

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Health Economics Network in the ECOS VHL to informed decisions

The overhaul of the Health Economics VHL is the result of the seventh phase of the Project to Strengthen the ECOS VHL, aimed at disseminating scientific and technical information in the area in Brazil. The project is the result of a partnership between the Department of Health Economics and Development (DESID) of the Brazilian Ministry of Health and the Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information (BIREME), within the framework of technical cooperation between the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and Brazil’s Ministry of Health.

Developed under BIREME’s coordination, the new portal fully integrates the ECOS Network, becoming a collaborative platform for the exchange of knowledge, experiences and innovation. “The aim is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences between managers and specialists in Health Economics, promoting access to scientific and technical information and, at the same time, interaction between members of the Network,” stated Joanita de Barros, Senior Information Analyst at BIREME and Product Owner of the project.

The development of the portal was guided by a survey on the profile and needs of the ECOS Network, combined with an intense process of collaboration with the DESID team. The result is an environment that offers access to information about the Network, the Health Economics Centers, Thematic Groups, Discussion Forums and News, in addition to scientific and technical content, already traditionally made available by the ECOS VHL databases.

Among the main implementations of the new portal is the technology update, with the installation of the latest version of WordPress, which provides the platform with greater security and stability. There was also a complete restructuring of the Information Architecture, with better content organization and more intuitive navigation for users. The full integration of the ECOS Network has resulted in an interactive space that encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing through forums and thematic groups. Moreover, the portal has undergone a significant expansion of content, with the creation of sections dedicated to legislation, publications from the Health Economics Centers, Network reports, as well as podcasts, webcasts, and other multimedia resources.

For Joanita Barros, the redesign reflects an ongoing effort to improve access to information and foster the exchange of knowledge between and within the Network. “With this update, we hope that the new portal will consolidates itself as a reference space for the area of Health Economics, strengthening the ECOS Network, allowing greater interaction between specialists and managers in the area and facilitating access to quality information,” highlighted Joanita.

According to Jamyle Grigoletto, coordinator of the Coordination of Structuring Actions in Health Economics at DESID, the portal overhaul should bring together and facilitate discussions between the Health Economics Centers (NES, in its Portuguese acronym) implemented in the Health Secretariats of the States and Municipalities – and also between them and the representatives of academia, councils and associations in the area of Health Economics that make up the ECOS Network.

“The idea is that, based on these interactions, NES will indicate to the Network’s researchers what the demands are for cutting-edge economic studies, so that these demands can support conducting research. These, in turn, can be used to support decision-making by SUS managers. As a result, we will also see an expansion of the scientific output in health economics reflected in the ECOS VHL”, concluded Grigoletto.

Information sources and thematic areas

The ECOS VHL brings together a wide range of specialized information sources, offering access to databases and strategic repositories to support research and analysis in the area of health economics. Among the resources available are the ECOS Database, the Health Price Bank, the National Cost Management Program and the public consultations of the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies into the Unified Health System – SUS (CONITEC).

Resources from the Brazilian Network for Health Technology Assessment, the Regional Database of Health Technology Assessment Reports from the Americas (BRISA) and the Public Health Budget Information System are also integrated.

All the content is organized by thematic areas, ranging from general aspects of health economics to specific topics such as economic evaluation in health, financing and spending in the sector, management of health services, and equity and inequalities in health, among others. This structure facilitates navigation and search, allowing managers and researchers to find qualified information on which to base public policies and strategic decisions.

Health Economics and Development Network

On January 30, 2025, the Tripartite Interagency Commission agreed to formalize the Health Economics and Development Network (ECOS Network), an important milestone for strengthening the management of SUS. The initiative aims to improve governance and strengthen coordination between managers, specialists and researchers, promoting greater efficiency, transparency and a technical basis for decision making related to the allocation of resources in the public sector.

In this context, the new portal consolidates itself as a strategic hub for sharing knowledge and access to qualified information, contributing to evidence-based public policies.

Next steps

The project includes the development of two new Knowledge Showcases, which will highlight strategic information for managers and researchers in the field. Also planned is the creation of an Evidence Map, a method for systematizing evidence and graphically representing interventions and outcomes in the specific area of the map, as well as identifying evidence gaps.

Access the new Portal and find out what’s new in the Health Economics VHL | National Portal on Health Economics Information.

Source: https://boletin.bireme.org/en/2025/03/31/health-economics-network-in-the-ecos-vhl-to-informed-decisions/

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Advances and innovations outline BIREME in 2024

BIREME achieved results with progress aligned with Strategy 2023-2025 and contextualized in its Biannual Work Plan for 2024-2025 (BWP 24-25) aligned with the priorities and strategic objectives of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). The main milestones for the period include new projects, information products and services, events and management and operational activities for institutional strengthening.

Here are some of the milestones of the period, organized into categories that reflect BIREME’s main lines of action as a PAHO/WHO Specialized Center.

Advances in BIREME’s Strategy 2023-2025

Throughout 2024, BIREME consolidated innovative management and strategic execution practices. In March, agile management and operational methodologies, such as the Scrum approach, began to be implemented to increase efficiency and collaboration in the Center’s digital transformation projects. Simultaneosly, tools were incorporated for the application of artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT Plus, for example, which has boosted development processes for new technologies and the customization of some of the services already available.

The adoption of advanced technologies, such as Large Language Models, was also highlighted as a priority strategy to improve user experience and the personalization of products and services. Priority projects and the direction of BIREME’s digital transformation were discussed during the visit of the director of the Department of Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health (EIH), Sebastián García Saisó, in September, when he took part in meetings of the Governance Committees and with the technical teams.

New projects

Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL)

BIREME has played a central role in the development of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL). Since being commissioned to coordinate the project in March 2024, in just six months the Center has reached a significant milestone: in November, the first functional version of the platform was launched, which already brings together more than 1.7 million records. This result consolidates TMGL as a strategic reference for researchers, health professionals and policymakers working with traditional medicines on a global scale.

The development of the project was structured on the basis of the experience and the Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicines of the Americas Virtual Health Library (TCIM VHL), a key reference for the creation of the Global Library, highlighting the relevance of the TCIM VHL in advancing global initiatives in the field of traditional health practices.

Second Opinion Formative (SOF) or New SOF

Developed with the Brazilian Ministry of Health’s Digital Health and Information Secretariat (SEIDIGI), the Second Formative Opinion (SOF) program is being updated to automate processes, modernize content formats and expand its applicability to different areas of health care. The innovations include the integration of artificial intelligence technologies to automate the generation of technical responses, making it possible to meet the demands of health workers in a more agile and efficient manner.

The new content format will also incorporate detailed information on the quality of the scientific evidence used, promoting reliability and transparency in clinical decision support. Moreover, SOF enhancement is also being designed to expand the scope of information, meeting the specific demands of specialized lines of care, such as the areas of mental health, chronic non-communicable diseases and other priorities of Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS). This evolution not only qualifies the services provided, but also strengthens decision-making based on scientific evidence, promoting a direct impact on the quality of health care.

Decision Aids

The Decision Aids project, also developed in partnership with SEIDIGI of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, aims to offer direct informational support to the lay population, strengthening their ability to use scientific evidence in health decision-making. The initiative foresees the integration of these tools into the “Meu SUS Digital” application, serving as a channel for accessing reliable and personalized health information.

The Decision Aids are structured to provide clear, evidence-based information on health topics, allowing users to make informed choices about preventive care, treatment and promoting well-being. This innovative project is a pioneer in Brazil and is due to be launched in 2025.

Launches and innovations

Significant progress has been made in its projects, reflecting its commitment to innovation and the strengthening of health information networks, promoting easy access to scientific and technical knowledge produced in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Updated VHL Regional Portal

In April, the Regional Portal of the Virtual Health Library (VHL) was renewed with a modernized interface, improving navigation and user experience when accessing more than 37 million bibliographic records from 60 national, thematic, and international databases, as well as directories, repositories, and other sources of health information.

Strengthening the MedCarib Network

In the second half of 2024, in coordination with the MedCarib Network, a series of technical sessions were conducted by BIREME for the English-speaking Caribbean countries, including Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. With the participation of more than 80 professionals, the sessions covered topics such as document indexing, good editorial practices and networking strategies, with the aim of strengthening access to health information and improving scientific publishing practices in the region.

Availability of DeCS Finder AI

In December, BIREME made available DeCS Finder AI, an improved version with the features of artificial intelligence, which optimizes the indexing of scientific texts and updates the tool previously launched in 2021. Using natural language processing, the system identifies suitable DeCS descriptors, speeding up cataloging and facilitating the identification of relevant terms.

Governance and cooperation

In August 2024, BIREME held two governance meetings governing the Center: the 10th Session of the Scientific Committee, on August 27, and the 13th Session of the Advisory Committee, on August 29. The meetings addressed the progress of the BIREME Strategy 2023-2025, highlighting technological advances and regional priorities for health information. Subsequently, during the 61st PAHO Directing Council (CD61), held from September 30 to October 4, 2024, new members were elected to the Advisory Committee for the 2025-2027 period, representing Colombia, Honduras and Jamaica, and reinforcing BIREME’s technical cooperation for the countries of the Latin American and Caribbean Region.

At CD61, BIREME had an interactive stand promoting products and services designed to strengthen the health systems of the countries in the region. It also demonstrated the scope of its technical cooperation and the impact of the technological innovations implemented by the Center.

Prospects for 2025

After a year marked by strategic advances and innovations, BIREME is ready to face the challenges and opportunities of 2025. With a focus on the digital transformation of health information, the Center will continue to enhance the impact of science in the Region of the Americas, expanding access to scientific knowledge and strengthening technical cooperation networks. These efforts aim to meet current demands and also anticipate solutions to future public health challenges with a focus on access to evidence-based, quality information.

To follow BIREME’s next initiatives and advances, subscribe to the BIREME Bulletin and keep up to date with events, projects and launches that connect science and health throughout the Region.

Source: https://boletin.bireme.org/en/2025/01/23/advances-and-innovations-outline-bireme-in-2024/

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SMS-SP VHL: results and prospects

The SMS-SP VHL achieved significant results in 2024, consolidating itself as a benchmark in the management and dissemination of information and knowledge in public health. With the creation of new content, the portal updated regularly, the production and availability of new Experience Reports and the strengthening of the Windows of Knowledge, in 2025 the project will rely on more training activities and expanded access to scientific and technical information, reaffirming its strategic role.

Main results of the SMS-SP VHL in 2024 and prospects for 2025

The SMS-SP VHL has made significant progress, especially in 2024, in implementing the technical cooperation project with BIREME and PAHO/WHO, promoting improvements in access to information and support for the Secretariat’s technical teams. The project, which will be concluded in July 2025, has consolidated its contribution to improving the services offered. Below we highlight the main initiatives of the year and the prospects for the future, which are under discussion with BIREME and the Secretariat.

Regular maintenance and updating of the portal

New content and sections have been created, such as the “How to Search?” page, which offers practical and didactic guidance for users to explore information sources in the SMS-SP VHL. The “Sources of Information” section has also been updated, with the inclusion of specialized resources, such as Wolters Kluwer – Premium Basic Sciences, broadening the search options.

An online training course was held to qualify the team responsible for maintaining and updating the SMS-SP VHL portal, with a focus on improving skills for managing content on the WordPress platform. Conducted by BIREME’s technical and methodological support, the training covered the structure and functionalities of WordPress, management of dynamic and static content, as well as good practices for optimizing and organizing information. The training session was recorded and is available for participants to consult for future updates, promoting autonomy and ensuring the continuity of good practices in portal management.

Collaboration network and training activities

Throughout 2024, the SMS-SP VHL promoted various training courses to improve the technical skills of the professionals responsible for managing and updating information on the portal and in the databases. Around 20 professionals from different areas of the Secretariat took part, receiving training focused on recording and indexing information, organizing content and operating tools such as FI-Admin and WordPress. The training received positive evaluations from participants, who highlighted the clarity of the information, the practical application of the content and the interaction during the activities.

The strengthening of the Collaboration Network was driven by strategic technical meetings, such as those held to plan the migration of the SMS-SP VHL databases. These meetings, which brought together teams from SMS-SP and BIREME, were fundamental in aligning methodologies, ensuring the consistency of information and preparing the transition to a new data management structure. These initiatives reinforce the commitment to maintaining a reliable and up-to-date system, which is essential for the dissemination of scientific and technical health information.

A diagnosis was carried out with the support of the BIREME team to map and strengthen the “Control and Visibility of the Scientific and Technical Production of SMS-SP”. The main objective was to assess the situation of the SMS-SP VHL Network Cooperating Centers, as part of the strategic planning of actions for the current 2024-2025 biennium. It identified the need to expand the dissemination and registration of productions, ensuring greater transparency and accessibility. Professionals from various technical areas contributed suggestions for highlighting the scientific production of each sector, improving access to external databases and promoting greater training in the use of the SMS-SP VHL.

Experience Reports

Also in 2024, SMS-SP made significant progress in planning and organizing Experiences Reports, reaffirming the importance of recording and disseminating good practices in health management. The Reports developed during the year covered various topics, such as regional planning strategies, actions aimed at caring for vulnerable populations and innovative initiatives in health services.

These records not only enriched the SMS-SP VHL database, but also promoted the sharing of strategic knowledge, strengthening SMS-SP’s commitment to efficient management focused on the continuous improvement of the services provided. Inspired by the event “1º Planeja Saúde: Encontro do Sistema de Governança em Planejamento em Saúde”, new productions were conceived, highlighting significant regional experiences that will now be transformed into structured reports to increase their applicability and impact.

With BIREME’s methodological support, the reports were developed collaboratively, including textual organization and the production of videos with technical and visual quality. By being published on the SMS-SP VHL portal and the SMS-SP Professional Channel, these reports not only document the practices carried out, but also promote the sharing of knowledge, inspiring new approaches and reinforcing the role of knowledge management in strengthening Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS).

Windows of Knowledge

The Window of Knowledge of the Multiprofessional Residency Commission (COREMU) was one of the highlights of the year. Developed collaboratively, the Window of Knowledge centralizes essential information about COREMU SMS-SP, including its structure, the eight Residency Programs and actions aimed at producing and disseminating knowledge. Its aim is to present the academic, administrative and pedagogical management of the Commission, as well as to share experiences, proposals and knowledge produced in the field of Health Education. Through collaborative work, the Window of Knowledge seeks to highlight initiatives that transform realities and strengthen the Unified Health System (SUS), promoting integration between teaching and practice in public health. COREMU SMS-SP.

Prospectives for 2025

The final year of Phase III will be marked by strategic actions. Meetings to align the goals for 2025 are already scheduled, with emphasis on the expansion of training activities and the publication of new content in the SMS-SP VHL.

There are plans to develop a new Window of Knowledge on “Pain Management” and to hold face-to-face workshops to train teams in the development of new Windows of Knowledge.

With the two Experience Reports currently being finalized and two new ones scheduled for early 2025, the initiative continues to strengthen the sharing of knowledge and transformative experiences within the Unified Health System.

With the continued support of BIREME/PAHO/WHO, the SMS-SP VHL continues to be an essential tool for knowledge management in health, promoting innovation, equitable access to information and cooperation between professionals in the São Paulo municipal health network, as well as being a reference initiative for the Organization’s technical cooperation at local and national levels.

Source: https://boletin.bireme.org/en/2025/01/20/sms-sp-vhl-results-and-prospects/

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Health information VHL networks and webinars 2024

In 2024, the program “Strengthening Health Information Networks in Latin America and the Caribbean (LA&C)” became an important initiative consolidated by BIREME with the Virtual Health Library (VHL) Network to share information, knowledge and good practices among professionals and institutions in the region.

The program included 23 thematic sessions, divided into four main lines:

  • VHL Network: Strengthening the management of Virtual Health Libraries. With 6 sessions, 1,015 connections, 16 countries and 9 speakers.
  • Reference Network: Training for the production of scientific evidence. With 5 sessions, 545 connections, 17 countries and 7 speakers.
  • Good Practices in the Editorial Processes of LILACS Scientific Journals: Improving editorial practices. With 6 sessions, 740 connections, 18 countries and 8 speakers.
  • Indexing Documents according to the LILACS Methodology: Training in document indexing. With 6 sessions, 670 connections, 15 countries and 5 speakers.
  • Technical sessions with the MedCarib Network: Training held in English and focused on Caribbean countries. With 4 sessions and an average of 25 connections, 5 countries and 4 speakers.

Throughout the year, 29 expert speakers shared their knowledge and experience in sessions that reached more than 2,261 connections, representing a broad participation of professionals from 18 countries in the region. In 2024, the program will also offer specific sessions for Caribbean countries with English as their official language.

Outreach on Latin America and the Caribbean

The consolidated data below reflects the reach of the 2024 webinar program. With a wide range of topics and guest experts, the sessions reached a significant audience of health professionals throughout the region, standing out for the number of connections registered and the active participation of various countries. Check out the details.

Links to recordings and materials

The recordings of all the sessions held in 2024, as well as the materials presented, are available for accessing the content and, therefore, for delving deeper into the topics discussed in the thematic axes:

With a significant scope and highly relevant themes, the program reaffirms BIREME’s commitment to strengthening health information networks in the Latin American and Caribbean region. The calendar of activities for 2025 will shortly be published in the BIREME Bulletin and on social networks.

Source: https://boletin.bireme.org/en/2025/01/19/health-information-vhl-networks-and-webinars-2024/

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BIREME and the Ministry of Health Library that celebrates 71 years

On November 25, 2024, the Ministry of Health Library celebrated 71 years of work on behalf of public health with a special ceremony in Brasilia. The event brought together authorities, professionals and partners who have helped consolidate the institution as a reference in the dissemination of technical and scientific information on public health in Brazil.

The ceremony highlighted the contributions of leading professionals who have played important roles in the Library’s trajectory. In addition to the individual tributes, BIREME was also recognized for its historic partnership with the Ministry of Health, represented by Director João Paulo Souza and librarian Joanita de Barros.

For Director João Paulo Souza, the tribute reinforces the importance of the joint work between the institutions. “The Library of the Ministry of Health and BIREME share a trajectory that has transformed access to public health information in Brazil and in the region. This recognition not only values the past but renews our commitment to continue democratizing knowledge in order to strengthen health policies and services,” he stated.

Photo: Communications Office, Ministry of Health of Brazil.

Program and tributes

The ceremony included speeches by authorities such as the executive secretary of the Ministry of Health, Swedenberger do Nascimento Barbosa, and the general coordinator of Documentation and Information at the Ministry of Health, Eva Patricia Alvares Lopes. The tributes recognized personalities who have marked the Library’s history and reinforced impactful institutional partnerships.

During the ceremony, professionals who have marked the history of the Ministry of Health Library for their significant contributions were highlighted. Among those honored was Antônio Agenor Briquet de Lemos, a pioneer in the management of the Library’s collection and responsible for innovative initiatives such as the Informação para Saúde newsletter. Also recognized was Marcia Rollemberg, creator of the General Coordination of Documentation and Information, who played a key role in setting up the Virtual Health Library Network at the Ministry of Health.

Another highlight was Eliane Santos, whose technical leadership was recognized as essential to the development of the Ministry of Health’s Virtual Health Library (MoH’s VHL). She currently works as a regional advisor on knowledge management at PAHO/WHO. Finally, Shirlei Corrêa Rodrigues was honored for her dedication as the Library’s manager and for important initiatives such as the creation of the BiblioSUS Network and the enhancement of the institution’s cultural heritage.

In addition to the honored people, BIREME was recognized with a commemorative plaque, celebrating its historic contribution to strengthening the MoH’s VHL and other projects that expand access to public health information.

The program also included a round table discussion on the Library’s history. During the debate, experiences on health information and communication management were shared, highlighting BIREME’s strategic role in regional and global projects.

For Director João Paulo Souza, this was a moment to celebrate the Library as an entity that contributes decisively to the materialization of the ideals of the SUS, while at the same time celebrating “our shared mission to democratize access to health information in order to strengthen our system and services”.

Commitment to the future

The celebration of the 71st anniversary of the MS Library was not only a retrospective, but also a milestone to reinforce the commitment to innovation and expanding access to health knowledge. “Health information is an essential pillar for promoting equity, and the partnership between BIREME and the Ministry of Health Library will continue to generate positive impacts for society as a whole,” concluded João Paulo Souza.

Source: https://boletin.bireme.org/en/2024/12/19/bireme-and-the-ministry-of-health-library-that-celebrates-71-years/

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RIPSA portal: advances were presented at the 31st Inter-Agency Workshop

On December 5 and 6, 2024, the 31st Inter-Agency Workshop of the Inter-Agency Health Information Network (RIPSA, in its Portuguese acronym) was held in Brasilia. Held in the Carlyle Guerra Auditorium, at the office of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Brazil, the event brought together presentations of recently developed products, with discussions on their development for 2025 planning.

The work was led by the RIPSA Technical Secretariat, represented on the occasion by Paulo Sellera, Director of the Department of Monitoring, Evaluation and Dissemination of Strategic Health Information (DEMAS) of the Ministry of Health (MS), Marizelia Leão, representing the National Council of Municipal Health Secretariats (Conasems), Felipe Ferré, representing the National Council of Health Secretaries (Conass) and Alexander Rosewell, representing PAHO Brazil. The event was attended by Ana Estela Haddad, Secretary of Information and Digital Health (SEIDIGI/MS), who acknowledged the dedication of the members and the success of the work achieved in this first year of resumed activities.

Throughout the two-day program, the Indicator Management Committees (CGI) shared the status of the development and updating of the indicators for 2024, as well as the progress of the qualification forms. Representing BIREME, librarian Juliana Sousa presented the new qualification forms portal, highlighting it as an essential tool for the organization and dissemination of health indicators. The new platform was developed by BIREME in partnership with DEMAS/MS and was praised by the participants for its strategic contribution to strengthening health policies in Brazil.

Portal improved with technology and quality

During her presentation, Juliana Sousa demonstrated in detail the development of the API and plugin that integrate the portal with the Indicator Management Module (MGDI) of the DEMAS system. This technological integration will make it possible to publish the qualification forms on the RIPSA portal, optimizing the process and ensuring greater efficiency.

Another highlight was the progress made in standardizing the qualification forms, which now include additional fields aimed at scientific publication and the description of digital content. Among the new elements are institutional authorship, DOI (Digital Object Identifier), translated title, references, citation guidelines, Creative Commons licenes and Research Organization Registry (ROR) identifiers. “This evolution reflects RIPSA’s commitment to the quality and standardization of information, in line with international best practices, ensuring greater accuracy and accessibility,” emphasized Juliana Sousa.

Next steps and planning for 2025

Besides the presentation, the workshop also provided space for strategic discussions on the Product Operational Planning (POP) for 2025. Among the proposals is the creation of an exclusive log-in space for RIPSA members, which will facilitate the collaborative development of documents and the sharing of materials in a secure environment.

With the final adjustments for publishing the portal in production, BIREME is reaffirming its role as a protagonist in the innovation of tools that support public health in Brazil and Latin America. It is expected that the advances and new resources will be presented at the 32nd Interagency Workshop, scheduled to be held in the first half of 2025.

Source: https://boletin.bireme.org/en/2024/12/19/ripsa-portal-advances-were-presented-at-the-31st-inter-agency-workshop/

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BIREME and PWR Brazil: cooperation agreements of the 2024-2025 biennium

BIREME’s Strategy 2023-2025 aims to guide information products and services for action in health, with an emphasis on the use of scientific evidence for decision-making, focusing mainly on four areas:

  • Strengthening the capacity of lay people and communities for health-related decision-making;
  • Strengthening professional decision-making capacities;
  • Supporting the development of evidence-based health policies; and
  • Supporting health research.

According to Director João Paulo Souza, the strategy presented aims to “strengthen technical support for health professionals, policy makers and communities, ensuring that they have access to reliable and timely information for effective health interventions”.

To achieve these objectives, the Center relies on several of the Terms of Cooperation (TC) under development with PAHO/WHO Brazil and on sources of funding through global projects, such as with the World Health Organization. In the current 2024-2025 biennium, BIREME continues to cooperate with the following TC established between PAHO/WHO Brazil and the Ministry of Health, considering:

TC91/TA2 – Increased production, use and access to scientific evidence in decision-making processes and policy making in the context of the Unified Health System (SUS).

TC93/TA1-4 – Improvement of BIREME (annual contribution from the Ministry of Health).

TC95/TA6-9 – Improvement of the Management of the Executive Secretariat of the Brazilian Ministry of Health – Brazil VHL- SE/MS.

TC140/TA2 – Improvement of the Management of the Executive Secretariat of the Brazilian Ministry of Health – Economy of Health VHL – SE/MS.

TC157/TA1 – Strengthening and Qualifying the use of health information and digital transformation in the SUS.

The development of products and services in the context of each TC is monitored by BIREME in fortnightly project management meetings coordinated by the Director of the Center with the technical and administrative teams. In addition, biannual meetings are held with the national counterparts to validate the results achieved. The biannual reports are published by PAHO Brazil and are available for public access.

About the TCs

The Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), through its Country Offices and Centers, including BIREME/PAHO/WHO, operates in the countries of the Region with technical cooperation programs and projects that formalize and operationalize the dissemination of information, sharing of experiences and ensure transparency and control of resource management by means of technical and financial reports. The Terms of Cooperation are among the instruments most used by the Organization to consolidate this practice, as well as Agreements and Contracts aligned with institutional policies and processes.

BIREME/PAHO/WHO continues to develop and improve products and services that help improve the quality of production, access and publication of scientific and technical information and evidence in health for all the countries of the Latin American and Caribbean Region.

In coordination with the PAHO/WHO country offices and counterparts, the Centre develops projects to achieve health results at the organizational, national and international levels, through specific TCs or Agreements with different counterparts. With the government of Brazil, whose main counterpart is the Ministry of Health [1], TCs are made possible through PAHO/WHO Brazil.

Further information on About the Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information – PAHO/WHO | Pan American Health Organization.

[1] The Ministry of Health is a permanent member of BIREME’s Governance Committees, Advisory and Scientific Committees, which provide recommendations for improving and strengthening BIREME’s regional technical cooperation results, including those related to national priorities.

Source: https://boletin.bireme.org/en/2024/11/11/bireme-and-pwr-brazil-cooperation-agreements-of-the-2024-2025-biennium/