Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) approved a new regulation that updates the rules for epidemiological surveillance in Brazil’s ports and airports. This new framework aims to reduce the risk of disease transmission through travelers and cargo, especially in light of recent public health emergencies like the imported cases of measles and the emergence of a new Mpox virus variant in Africa.
Key Changes in the New Norm
The new regulation mandates that port and airport administrators, along with transport companies, adopt more robust health surveillance measures. These include annual testing of contingency plans at critical points of entry. These plans are designed to ensure that Brazil can swiftly respond to public health emergencies, minimizing the risk of disease spread.
One of the significant improvements in the regulation is the simplification of the procedures for assessing travelers with non-public health-related conditions. This change will streamline port and airport operations, reducing delays caused by waiting for Anvisa’s clearance.
Another important update is the decentralization of the issuance of the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (CIVP), previously managed by Anvisa. This certificate can now be issued via the “Meu SUS Digital” platform, making it more accessible to travelers and reducing the administrative burden on Anvisa.
Why Were These Changes Necessary?
The updates were driven by lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. The global health crisis exposed gaps in Brazil’s public health regulations, particularly regarding the country’s ability to quickly and effectively manage health threats at ports and airports. By revising the existing regulations, Anvisa aims to build stronger public health capacities and improve coordination during future emergencies.
This effort aligns with amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR), approved by the World Health Assembly in May 2024. The revised IHR emphasizes the importance of maintaining core public health capacities at points of entry, considering the increased risk of global health emergencies and the introduction of the “pandemic emergency” concept.
Regulatory Process and Public Participation
The regulatory update process began on December 26, 2022, following a detailed assessment of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on public health systems. Anvisa identified several regulatory issues, including the need to update the RDC 21/2008, which had previously centralized disease evaluation at ports and airports, as well as the issuance of the CIVP.
After a thorough Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) was conducted and approved by Anvisa’s board in November 2023, the proposed changes were open for public consultation for 60 days, with an extension of 30 additional days at the request of sector organizations. This allowed stakeholders to provide input, ensuring the final regulation addressed critical concerns, such as the need for clear guidelines in managing public health events and establishing appropriate deadlines for information transmission.
Implementation and Monitoring
The effectiveness of the updated regulation for epidemiological surveillance in ports and airports will be closely monitored. Anvisa will oversee annual assessments at designated ports and airports, ensuring that contingency plans and basic public health capacities are fully operational. These results will also be submitted to the World Health Organization (WHO) for review. Additionally, the agency will maintain bilateral and multilateral contingency plans with neighboring countries at designated land border crossings, further enhancing Brazil’s defense against cross-border health threats.
Conclusion
Anvisa’s new regulations mark a significant step forward in Brazil’s efforts to prevent and control the spread of diseases through its ports and airports. By updating contingency plans, decentralizing critical procedures, and aligning with international health standards, Brazil is better prepared to handle future public health emergencies. As global health risks continue to evolve, this proactive approach will help safeguard the health of Brazilian citizens and international travelers alike.