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   1. Background (brief history)

Fiocruz was created in 1990, with the goal of targeting the major issues with the Brazilian public healthcare system. It was created as the science and technology agency of the Ministry of Health. Today, the Foundation works to promote health and social development, and generate scientific and technological knowledge and spread awareness about it. It is connected to the Brazilian Ministry of Health, and considered among the most influential science and technology institutions in Latin America.

The institution has over 7,500 employees and has 13 technical-scientific unities, in addition to being present in most of the Brazilian territory.

 

Website: 

 

   2. Areas of expertise

The institution develops the following activities:

• Public healthcare research

• Provision of hospital and ambulatory services that are a reference in health matters.

• The manufacturing and production of vaccines, diagnostic kits, medication and other medical materials.

• Human resources education

• Information and communication on health, science and technology

• Quality control of products and services

• Implementation of social programs in the scope of the abovementioned subjects.

   

   3. Strengths in the ICPD

Among the many areas and activities developed by Fiocruz, the ones that are related with the ICPD mandate are the following.

Population and development:

• Educational projects  with community participation

• Training of professionals, graduate programs, medical residency programs, among others.

• Awareness and public information with the production of educational materials.

Sexual and Reproductive Health:

• Research group with a focus in reproductive health aspects

• Ambulatories specialized in gynecology, for prenatal and maternity care.

 

   4. Quality assurance/ previous evaluation

Fiocruz has six areas recognized as Collaborative Centers of the Pan-American Health Organization (Opas) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The most recent designation was in 2014, of the Collaborative Center in Global Health and South-South Cooperation. Fiocruz’s most recent prizes include the Order of Scientific Merit, granted by the Brazilian government, and an award granted by the World Federation of Public Health Associations. In addition, its researchers are also recognized internationally for the quality of their work by reputable international organizations like UNESCO.

   

   5. Experience in South-South Cooperation initiatives

FIOCRUZ maintains dialogue and technical cooperation with a number of countries, specially portuguese-speaking African Countries, East Timor; in addition to some countries in Latin America. The organization prioritizes working with: i) training of professionals in other implementation units and the broadening of methodologies; ii) the organization of joint events, the creation of E-learning programs; iii) research fellows’ exchange programs.

Moreover, Fiocruz also has a Center of International Relations in Health (Cris), an advisory body for the organization’s presidency created in 2009 to coordinate and support its international activities. Fiocruz also participates in major conferences such as Rio+20 and acts within international organizations such as WHO and Opas, as abovementioned.