Objective

To investigate whether the quality and quantity of genomic DNA harnessed from existing formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast cancer biopsy tissue samples in the public health system of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) were sufficient for downstream genetic testing and to investigate the occurrence of the common breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) mutation, BRCA1-185delAG, in these samples. 

Objective

To describe and systematize experiences and lessons learned in the implementation of a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) technical cooperation strategy in countries at high risk of importation and spread of measles and rubella, with the following objectives: monitoring the progress of vaccination coverage through microplanning, strengthening risk analysis and epidemiological surveillance, and providing a rapid response to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. 

In 2021, Brazil began implementing the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), with completion scheduled for 2027. ICD-11 represents a technological and conceptual leap, offering new opportunities for epidemiological analysis and health management. However, it also imposes challenges for interoperability and preservation of historical data series, making its implementation more complex.

Plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs) are essential medicines required for the treatment of congenital, rare, and acquired diseases. At present, the market dynamics of these products have led to high dependence on a few producing countries, causing shortages, stockouts, and problems related to access in general. To help solve this problem, this document proposes a value model for PDMPs from a public health perspective, and considers the prospects, visions, and challenges to implementation in Colombia, as a case study.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of premature morbidity and mortality globally, with hypertension as their main modifiable risk factor. In Latin America and the Caribbean, hypertension affects more than 30% of adults, yet control rates remain alarmingly low. The HEARTS in the Americas Initiative, led by the Pan American Health Organization, promotes a model of team-based care to enhance risk management for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases within primary health care.

Objective

To evaluate the usability of the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11) and its concordance and comparability with ICD-10, the version in use. ICD-11 introduces greater granularity than ICD-10, is designed for digital environments, and offers improvements over the previous version. 

In today's digital age, health data is increasingly coveted, and having legal rules to protect it is not enough to prevent its incorrect, imprudent, or improper use. Breaches of confidentiality, intrusions, and unrestricted access to personal data and sensitive data are a challenge for Latin American and Caribbean countries. This is due to the coexistence of diverse social actors, unspecific regulatory frameworks, data management aimed at reducing IT risks, inequalities in access, and technological-financial gaps, which can be analyzed from a governance perspective.

Civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems support individuals’ right to identity and their access to public services, and provide information useful for public health. Peru’s CRVS system uses applications that allow online medical certification of vital events. Since this information can be falsified, measures are required to ensure that the information entered is supported and not rejected, for example through the use of digital signatures.

This letter to the editor is only available in Spanish.