Fifth Strategic Plan for the Development of Epidemiology in Brazil (2025-2029)

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Policy

Background:

• The Brazilian Association of Collective Health (Abrasco) initiated the Fifth Strategic Plan for the Development of Epidemiology in Brazil (2025-2029).
• The plan addresses contemporary challenges including social inequalities, scientific denialism, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crisis, and reduced public policy investment.
• There is a recognized need to update Brazilian epidemiology to meet current public health demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a comprehensive strategic plan for Brazilian epidemiology for 2025-2029.
• To guide the advancement of epidemiology in education, research, and health policy.
• To foster a collective vision for strengthening epidemiology within collective health.

Main Methods:

• Multi-stage development process involving online surveys, debates, and in-person workshops.
• Workshop I (Brasília, 2023) identified priority challenges.
• Workshop II (Rio de Janeiro, 2024) defined strategies, guided by broad participation and principles of equity and diversity.

Main Results:

• The Fifth Strategic Plan for the Development of Epidemiology in Brazil (2025-2029) has been formulated.
• The plan focuses on three key areas: education, research, and health policies, programs, and services.
• The process emphasized inclusivity, incorporating perspectives from epidemiologists nationwide.

Conclusions:

• The strategic plan provides a roadmap for strengthening epidemiology in Brazil.
• It aims to enhance epidemiology's role in collective health, social justice, and the Brazilian public health system (Sistema Único de Saúde).
• The plan reaffirms a commitment to equity and social justice in public health initiatives.