BIREME achieved results with progress aligned with Strategy 2023-2025 and contextualized in its Biannual Work Plan for 2024-2025 (BWP 24-25) aligned with the priorities and strategic objectives of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). The main milestones for the period include new projects, information products and services, events and management and operational activities for institutional strengthening.
Here are some of the milestones of the period, organized into categories that reflect BIREME’s main lines of action as a PAHO/WHO Specialized Center.
Advances in BIREME’s Strategy 2023-2025
Throughout 2024, BIREME consolidated innovative management and strategic execution practices. In March, agile management and operational methodologies, such as the Scrum approach, began to be implemented to increase efficiency and collaboration in the Center’s digital transformation projects. Simultaneosly, tools were incorporated for the application of artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT Plus, for example, which has boosted development processes for new technologies and the customization of some of the services already available.
The adoption of advanced technologies, such as Large Language Models, was also highlighted as a priority strategy to improve user experience and the personalization of products and services. Priority projects and the direction of BIREME’s digital transformation were discussed during the visit of the director of the Department of Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health (EIH), Sebastián García Saisó, in September, when he took part in meetings of the Governance Committees and with the technical teams.
New projects
Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL)
BIREME has played a central role in the development of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL). Since being commissioned to coordinate the project in March 2024, in just six months the Center has reached a significant milestone: in November, the first functional version of the platform was launched, which already brings together more than 1.7 million records. This result consolidates TMGL as a strategic reference for researchers, health professionals and policymakers working with traditional medicines on a global scale.
The development of the project was structured on the basis of the experience and the Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicines of the Americas Virtual Health Library (TCIM VHL), a key reference for the creation of the Global Library, highlighting the relevance of the TCIM VHL in advancing global initiatives in the field of traditional health practices.
Second Opinion Formative (SOF) or New SOF
Developed with the Brazilian Ministry of Health’s Digital Health and Information Secretariat (SEIDIGI), the Second Formative Opinion (SOF) program is being updated to automate processes, modernize content formats and expand its applicability to different areas of health care. The innovations include the integration of artificial intelligence technologies to automate the generation of technical responses, making it possible to meet the demands of health workers in a more agile and efficient manner.
The new content format will also incorporate detailed information on the quality of the scientific evidence used, promoting reliability and transparency in clinical decision support. Moreover, SOF enhancement is also being designed to expand the scope of information, meeting the specific demands of specialized lines of care, such as the areas of mental health, chronic non-communicable diseases and other priorities of Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS). This evolution not only qualifies the services provided, but also strengthens decision-making based on scientific evidence, promoting a direct impact on the quality of health care.
Decision Aids
The Decision Aids project, also developed in partnership with SEIDIGI of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, aims to offer direct informational support to the lay population, strengthening their ability to use scientific evidence in health decision-making. The initiative foresees the integration of these tools into the “Meu SUS Digital” application, serving as a channel for accessing reliable and personalized health information.
The Decision Aids are structured to provide clear, evidence-based information on health topics, allowing users to make informed choices about preventive care, treatment and promoting well-being. This innovative project is a pioneer in Brazil and is due to be launched in 2025.
Launches and innovations
Significant progress has been made in its projects, reflecting its commitment to innovation and the strengthening of health information networks, promoting easy access to scientific and technical knowledge produced in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Updated VHL Regional Portal
In April, the Regional Portal of the Virtual Health Library (VHL) was renewed with a modernized interface, improving navigation and user experience when accessing more than 37 million bibliographic records from 60 national, thematic, and international databases, as well as directories, repositories, and other sources of health information.
Strengthening the MedCarib Network
In the second half of 2024, in coordination with the MedCarib Network, a series of technical sessions were conducted by BIREME for the English-speaking Caribbean countries, including Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. With the participation of more than 80 professionals, the sessions covered topics such as document indexing, good editorial practices and networking strategies, with the aim of strengthening access to health information and improving scientific publishing practices in the region.
Availability of DeCS Finder AI
In December, BIREME made available DeCS Finder AI, an improved version with the features of artificial intelligence, which optimizes the indexing of scientific texts and updates the tool previously launched in 2021. Using natural language processing, the system identifies suitable DeCS descriptors, speeding up cataloging and facilitating the identification of relevant terms.
Governance and cooperation
In August 2024, BIREME held two governance meetings governing the Center: the 10th Session of the Scientific Committee, on August 27, and the 13th Session of the Advisory Committee, on August 29. The meetings addressed the progress of the BIREME Strategy 2023-2025, highlighting technological advances and regional priorities for health information. Subsequently, during the 61st PAHO Directing Council (CD61), held from September 30 to October 4, 2024, new members were elected to the Advisory Committee for the 2025-2027 period, representing Colombia, Honduras and Jamaica, and reinforcing BIREME’s technical cooperation for the countries of the Latin American and Caribbean Region.
At CD61, BIREME had an interactive stand promoting products and services designed to strengthen the health systems of the countries in the region. It also demonstrated the scope of its technical cooperation and the impact of the technological innovations implemented by the Center.
Prospects for 2025
After a year marked by strategic advances and innovations, BIREME is ready to face the challenges and opportunities of 2025. With a focus on the digital transformation of health information, the Center will continue to enhance the impact of science in the Region of the Americas, expanding access to scientific knowledge and strengthening technical cooperation networks. These efforts aim to meet current demands and also anticipate solutions to future public health challenges with a focus on access to evidence-based, quality information.
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