Key research themes
1. How has Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS) influenced equitable access and governance in public health over the past three decades?
This theme investigates the evolution, governance structures, funding mechanisms, and challenges of Brazil's SUS since its inception in 1990. It examines how the system addressed access disparities, decentralized health governance, and the role of public vs. private sectors in health service provision, emphasizing sustainability under fiscal constraints.
2. What are the patterns and determinants of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and cardiovascular health trends in Brazil?
This research strand centers on the epidemiological transition in Brazil, analyzing mortality and morbidity trends of NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer. It explores social determinants, regional disparities, and health system responses, focusing on both population-level trends and challenges facing healthcare delivery for these diseases.
3. How do regional and socioeconomic inequalities impact health care access, utilization, and health outcomes in Brazil?
Research under this theme assesses disparities in health care access and outcomes by geographic region, socioeconomic status, and health insurance coverage, with a focus on persistent gaps despite Brazil's universal health care system. It examines variations in preventive and curative service use, health professional distribution, and maternal-child health indicators across diverse populations.