In 2017, BIREME celebrated its 50th Anniversary as a PAHO/WHO Specialized Center, with the mission of democratizing health information, knowledge and scientific evidence. One of this year’s most important achievements is related to its institutional strengthening and its effective work with Latin American and Caribbean countries, marked by its presence in the Region and the development of technical cooperation projects, products and services.
The 3rd Session of the Scientific Committee of BIREME took place on December 7-8, with the presence of the PAHO/WHO Assistant Director and experts from six countries, besides a consultant with experience in health services management. The recommendations that emerged from the discussions and a final report are being drafted and will be submitted to PAHO/WHO Director. The main role of the Scientific Committee is to make recommendations on the Center’s programmatic functions, in compliance with international state-of-the-art scientific information and communication.
The workshop “Evidence to support decision-making processes in health”, organized by BIREME, was designed to identify opportunities and generate recommendations of activities, products and services related to information, in order to promote access, use and application of evidence in health decisions. Several recommendations to support managers and decision makers were put forward during the event.
In order to strengthen capacities for resource mobilization in country offices, PAHO/WHO through its External Relations, Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Department (ERP) together with BIREME organized the “Subregional Workshop for Institutional Strengthening in Project Development and Management, Resource Mobilization and Political Advocacy”, on November 27-29, 2017. The event had more than thirty participants from Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela, as well as from PAHO Specialized Centers, BIREME and PANAFTOSA.
Based on the recently approved PAHO/WHO Strategic Communication Plan 2017-19, communication focal points of Representations and Centers met at PAHO Headquarters on December 5-8, aiming to enhance capacity, effectiveness and impact of communication actions in the countries, in addition to coordinating the individual capacities of those in charge of communication to achieve certain objectives common to the entire Organization.
In 2017, BIREME, together with PAHO/WHO Human Resources Department, held two training activities involving all employees. The events took place outside BIREME’s facilities, leading to everyone’s effective participation and effort in reflecting themes and actions that characterize a real teamwork. Managerial and operational staff took part aiming to respond to changes in the organizational environment and in activities of the technical cooperation program.