Brazil, UK to join efforts in public health

The British government is expected to send $20 million to finance the enhancement of public health care in Brasil through an initiative dubbed Saúde Melhor (“better health”). The program had its global launch in London on Monday (24), and was attended by Brazilian Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta.

Funds will be used over the course of four years for bolstering strategic areas, like primary care, according to official information. The amount will also be put towards the incorporation of digital technology and international standards on data use in research and innovation.

Minister Mandetta said the British health system boasts a high management and organization levels, adding that the exchange will be crucial for Brazil. “They’re very solid in primary care. As for epidemiology, resistance to antibiotics, they’re also very strong,” he went on to say.

He also named other fields where the partnership will play a key role, like genetics and hemotherapy. “This exchange of experience and knowledge with the British health system—in which our public, universal system is inspired—will prove crucial.”

In addition to Brazil, countries to be benefited by the funds from the UK include Mexico, South Africa, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, e Myanmar.