Brazil’s Ministry of Health has signed a new agreement with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to acquire updated vaccines through PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds, a pooled procurement system that helps countries secure affordable medical supplies. The signing took place in São Paulo during a meeting of the Health Economic-Industrial Complex, where PAHO highlighted ongoing efforts to identify manufacturers and build a regional vaccine production hub. This hub is expected to increase production volumes and support countries with smaller populations, while allowing Brazil’s existing manufacturing capacity to strengthen public health across the Americas.
PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa emphasized that Brazil is taking on a greater leadership role within the Revolving Funds, not only in the systematic purchase of medicines and vaccines but also through its scientific and technological capabilities. He noted that Brazil has the potential to become a major regional supplier, and that other regions such as Africa and the Middle East have expressed interest in joining similar procurement mechanisms. Brazil’s Health Minister Alexandre Padilha echoed this sentiment, stressing the country’s commitment to regional collaboration, expanded vaccine access, and attracting international investment and technology transfer.
Brazil is also reinforcing the role of national institutions like Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz and the Butantan Institute, which will begin producing and supplying vaccines to other countries in the Americas through the Revolving Funds. This shift aims to strengthen economies of scale, increase regional self-sufficiency, and ensure stable long-term supply. PAHO is additionally working with regional partners to introduce updated vaccine technologies, including the RSV vaccine and the 20-valent pneumococcal vaccine.
The Regional Revolving Funds continue to play a crucial role in helping countries obtain quality vaccines and essential medical supplies at competitive prices. By pooling procurement and coordinating demand, participating nations have saved around 50% on costs and benefited from reliable delivery and credit access. Over the past two years alone, the mechanism has supported access to vital health supplies for an estimated 180 million people across the region.
