EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE IN THE UNIFIED HEALTH SYSTEM: CHALLENGES IN EARLY DETECTION AND RESPONSE TO EMERGING DISEASE OUTBREAKS

Authors

  • Alneide Souza Leite
  • Carmen Schafauser
  • Elaine Carvalho Santana
  • Luís Eduardo Kischener
  • Débora Matias da Silva
  • Elaine Amélia Araújo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63330/sasciencesv6n2-037

Keywords:

Epidemiological surveillance, Unified Health System, Emerging diseases, Public health, Early detection

Abstract

Epidemiological surveillance in the Unified Health System addresses the challenges related to early detection and effective response to outbreaks of emerging diseases, considering its importance for the protection of collective health. This study is characterized as a bibliographic review and aims to analyze the main obstacles faced by the Brazilian epidemiological surveillance system and discuss strategies to strengthen its monitoring and intervention capacity. The methodology was based on the analysis of scientific publications and institutional documents regarding health surveillance, emerging diseases, and the organization of public health services. The results indicated that factors such as underreporting of cases, regional inequalities, technological limitations, insufficient human resources, and difficulties in integration among different levels of healthcare compromise the speed of responses to outbreaks. On the other hand, investments in information systems, professional training, and the strengthening of monitoring networks were identified as measures that favor more effective and timely actions. It is concluded that the continuous improvement of epidemiological surveillance is essential to expand the capacity of the Unified Health System in preventing, controlling, and responding to emerging diseases.

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References

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Published

2026-06-25

How to Cite

Leite, A. S. ., Schafauser, C. ., Santana, E. C. ., Kischener, L. E. ., da Silva, D. M. ., & Araújo, E. A. . (2026). EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE IN THE UNIFIED HEALTH SYSTEM: CHALLENGES IN EARLY DETECTION AND RESPONSE TO EMERGING DISEASE OUTBREAKS. South American Sciences, 6(2), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.63330/sasciencesv6n2-037

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