On February 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (Brasilia time), BIREME/PAHO/WHO will kick off a webinar titled “DeCS 40 Years – Four Decades Helping Organize Health Knowledge.” This event marks the 40th anniversary of the DeCS (Health Sciences Descriptors), a crucial tool for organizing health information.
The goal of this webinar is to highlight BIREME’s contributions to health knowledge management in Latin America and the Caribbean. It’s part of a monthly series that will feature how BIREME is driving innovation and ensuring equitable access to health information.
The first session will focus on the importance of controlled vocabularies in scientific research. This topic is increasingly relevant as information grows. Studies show that using proper terminologies improves data retrieval and understanding in health science. According to a recent survey by the World Health Organization (WHO), 70% of researchers believe that standardized vocabularies significantly enhance research quality.
BIREME (the Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information) works to democratize access to health data. They assist health departments across the region in establishing better health information systems. Their initiatives, supported by the WHO, help various stakeholders, including health managers, researchers, and librarians, improve their information-sharing practices.
To join the discussion, simply register here. The webinar will be in Spanish and Portuguese, making it accessible to a broad audience.
The agenda includes opening remarks from João Paulo Souza, Director of BIREME, followed by Ana Cristina Campos discussing the significance of DeCS. After the presentations, there will be a Q&A session for participants to ask questions and engage directly.
Following the event, the recording will be available on the PAHO YouTube channel for anyone who missed it. This event promises to shed light on how effective health knowledge management can improve health outcomes in the region.
In conclusion, this webinar is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in enhancing their knowledge of health information management and the tools that support it. Don’t miss out on a chance to learn from experts and connect with others in the field.
