[Implementation of the ICD-11 in Brazil: an overviewPanorama de la implementación de la CIE-11 en Brasil].

Abstract

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. Given Brazil's vast territory and considering the existing health information systems, the implementation will be phased, focusing on five priority areas: publication, translation, and use of ICD-11 in Brazil; information technology infrastructure; data comparability and quality; capacity building; and promotion and dissemination. The present article aims to provide an overview of the current state of ICD-11 implementation in the country, the steps already taken and future perspectives. The implementation follows the guidelines established by the World Health Organization's Implementation Guide and Technical Note No. 91/2024 issued by Brazil's Ministry of Health. These documents address procedures such as the update of health information systems as well as areas deserving special attention, such as the diversity of regional contexts across the country and the scale of change involved in updating international classifications, with the goal of ensuring safety and effectiveness, preserving time series, and enabling swift adaptation. The process represents another public health milestone in Brazil, while simultaneously promoting the modernization and enhancement of vital statistics information systems, reinforcing Brazil's role in advancing global public health.