The emerging infectious disease picture in Brazil will not change markedly without a sustained and determined effort to improve the country's public health infrastructure. The current lack of this facility poses a great danger to the population should an outbreak of such a disease occur. The financial, technical, and human resources needed to activate these measures already exist. In infectious diseases, Brazil has a long tradition of fruitful international collaboration that can be tapped for additional support. The success of national vaccination and sanitation campaigns in the eradication and control of some infectious diseases at the beginning of this century and in more recent times demonstrates that much can be accomplished.
Brazil can become a successful model for other developing countries.
Ana Gaspar, Clara Yoshida, Ana Carolina Vicente, and Marilda Siqueira for useful information.