Indigenous Peoples’ Virtual Health Library (VHL)

This page presents the mission, objectives and operational structure of the Indigenous Peoples’ Virtual Health Library (VHL), in alignment with the VHL Methodology. Its purpose is to offer users a clear understanding of the principles, information-organization framework, and criteria adopted for content curation, as well as to describe the target audiences and the strategic role of the VHL in promoting Indigenous health.

The Indigenous Peoples’ Virtual Health Library is an initiative designed to expand access to qualified, reliable and culturally respectful information on Indigenous health in Brazil. It is the result of collaboration between the Secretariat of Indigenous Health (SESAI/MS), the Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information (BIREME/PAHO/WHO), and partner institutions.

Integrated into the VHL Network, the initiative aims to strengthen the visibility and use of scientific, technical and community knowledge produced within the Indigenous Health Care Subsystem (SasiSUS) by health professionals, researchers, managers, educators and Indigenous communities themselves.

Developed within the framework of the 2030 Agenda and universal health, the Indigenous Peoples’ VHL serves as a structuring space to address longstanding challenges in communication and information sharing among villages, base centers, Special Indigenous Health Districts (DSEI), and health managers.

The platform provides free, organized and equitable access to strategic information resources, with a commitment to valuing traditional knowledge and supporting public policies that promote equity and social justice.

In addition to gathering content produced by Indigenous peoples, health professionals, researchers and managers, the Indigenous Peoples’ VHL is a space that enhances and gives visibility to existing knowledge. It supports knowledge exchange, experience sharing, and the strengthening of professional training and care management in Indigenous territories.

The consolidation of the Indigenous Peoples’ VHL reflects a long trajectory grounded in stronger social participation and public policies that recognize sociocultural diversity. A historical milestone was the 1988 Constitution, which advanced the creation of the Indigenous Health Care Subsystem and encouraged knowledge production in partnership with universities, research centers and Indigenous leaders.

Mission

To promote free, organized, equitable and qualified access to health information, serving as a structuring space that strengthens care management, the appreciation of traditional knowledge, and the development of public policies aimed at equity and social justice, in alignment with the 2030 Agenda and the principle of universal health.

Objectives

Key objectives of the Indigenous Peoples’ VHL include:

• Valuing and disseminating Indigenous traditional knowledge
• Fostering dialogue among scientific, technical and community knowledge
• Strengthening institutional and historical memory on Indigenous health
• Supporting care management and health-related decision-making
• Contributing to professional training and continuing education
• Facilitating access to strategic information for research, teaching and health practice
• Overcoming communication and information-sharing barriers among villages, base centers, DSEI and managers
• Increasing the visibility of existing knowledge and promoting the exchange of experiences and good practices
  

Target Audience

The Indigenous Peoples’ VHL serves a broad and diverse audience, including:

• Indigenous communities and leaders
• Health professionals and managers, particularly those linked to SESAI and the DSEI
• Researchers, educators and students in the fields of health, social sciences and humanities
• Educational, research and health-training institutions
• All individuals interested in promoting the health and rights of Indigenous peoples in Brazil

Photo: Tharson Lopes / Governo do Tocantins