The Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information (BIREME) has showcased new digital health tools and knowledge management solutions at the 39th Congress of the National Council of Municipal Health Secretariats (CONASEMS) in Brazil.
The event, held from July 12 to 15 in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, brought together health officials, researchers, and professionals to discuss innovations supporting Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS).
During the congress, BIREME presented a range of products and services developed through technical cooperation with Brazil’s Ministry of Health. The initiatives aim to strengthen health information management, support digital transformation, and improve the use of scientific evidence in public health decision-making.
One of the main highlights was the workshop on the Observatory on Health Policies, Systems and Innovation, organized by the Department of Technical Cooperation, Innovation, and Health Development of Brazil’s Ministry of Health.
BIREME Director João Paulo Souza introduced the prototype of the new Observatory, which is designed to bring together scientific evidence, health indicators, public policies, and practical experiences in a single platform. The tool aims to support health managers, researchers, and professionals by making complex information easier to access and apply.
The workshop gathered around 100 participants and focused on improving connections between scientific knowledge and public health management. The Observatory was presented as an important resource for developing policies based on reliable evidence and practical needs.
BIREME also presented several digital health solutions at institutional booths organized by the Pan American Health Organization and Brazil’s Ministry of Health.
The SUS Digital Platform was highlighted as a national information hub that integrates content from multiple health portals, thematic platforms, publications, and strategic resources related to Brazil’s digital health initiatives.
Another featured initiative was the Virtual Health Library on Indigenous Peoples, which provides organized access to information supporting the creation, preservation, and sharing of knowledge related to Indigenous health.
BIREME also demonstrated Formative Second Opinion and Decision Aid tools, which support continuous training for healthcare professionals and encourage informed decision-making between patients and healthcare providers.
The organization further contributed to discussions during the panel marking 30 years of RIPSA, Brazil’s health information network. The session focused on strategies for improving access to health data and strengthening the practical use of information for public health planning.
Through its participation in CONASEMS, BIREME reinforced its commitment to expanding evidence-based health management, advancing digital innovation, and improving access to reliable health information across Brazil and the wider region.
