PAHO and the São Paulo State Health Secretariat strengthen cooperation on health surveillance and emergency management

Washington, D.C., 6 May 2026 -Amid recent public health challenges, including outbreaks of yellow fever, measles, COVID-19, and dengue, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) welcomed a delegation from the São Paulo State Health Secretariat, Brazil, to its headquarters to strengthen cooperation on health surveillance and emergency management.

From 27 April to 1 May 2026, the delegation, comprised of Regiane Cardoso de Paula, Coordinator of the Disease Control Coordination (CCD-SES/SP), and Tatiana Lang D'Agostini, Director of the Epidemiological Surveillance Center "Prof. Alexandre Vranjac" (CVE/CCD-SES/SP), participated in a technical agenda aimed at enhancing capacities for early detection, timely analysis, and coordinated response to public health events. The meetings also promoted the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and tools between PAHO/WHO at the regional level and one of the largest public health systems in the Americas.

Over five days, experts addressed strategic topics including epidemic intelligence, event-based surveillance, including community-based surveillance, rapid risk assessment, mass gathering preparedness, and strengthening points of entry. The agenda also included the discussion about practical experiences from the State of São Paulo in responding to emergencies, including arboviruses, methanol poisoning, and measles outbreaks.

The activity also included exchanges on regional initiatives, such as the implementation of the Epidemic Intelligence Strategy 2024-2029, the use of innovative tools such as Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS), and the promotion of resilient health systems, including the "Smart Hospitals" model.

This collaboration reinforces the commitment of PAHO/WHO and its Member States to strengthening early warning and response systems, contributing to a more prepared, resilient region capable of protecting population health.