In 1998, the Latin American and Caribbean Health Information Network approved the Declaration of San José “Towards the Virtual Health Library”. Twenty-five years have passed since the development of the VHL as a health information management model for LA&C, which has materialized in more than 60 VHL instances, more than 50 databases and dozens of information products.

These achievements were possible thanks to the collaboration of the Network, the coordination of BIREME and the adoption of common methodologies and systems such as: the LILACS Methodology, the FI-Admin system, DeCS and the IAHx interface. And facing many challenges that turned into opportunities for the development of the VHL. Now, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at our doorstep and, more than a challenge or threat, it is an opportunity to renew the VHL Model.

It is time to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the VHL!

The power of science, evidence, and digital transformation to improve health for all.

Dr Sebastian García Saiso, Director of the Department of Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health (EIH/PAHO)

Enabling access and use of evidence for action in health. 

Dr João Paulo Souza, Director of BIREME/EIH/PAHO

VHL 25 years: looking back & planning forward.

Verônica Abdala, Information Services and Products Manager, BIREME/EIH/PAHO