New ANVISA Head Reveals Priorities

Ensuring that agency staff is adequately trained, promoting the use of best scientific practices and improving communications with the public are three of the goals the new head of Brazil’s healthcare regulator is promising to tackle during his tenure.

Jarbas Barbosa da Silva Jr. took the helm at Brazil’s Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária late last month. Before assuming the role, he served as secretary of science, technology and strategic products at the Brazilian Ministry of Health, a position he assumed at the beginning of the year, previously holding the position of secretary of health surveillance.

During his inauguration ceremony, da Silva praised ANVISA for strides in terms of improving health over the past 15 years. He highlighted a recent update of clinical research rules as one of the ways the agency should approach its work moving forward.

Arthur Chioro, Brazil’s minister of health, spoke highly of da Silva, adding that he is taking the reins as the agency works to enhance transparency with stakeholders and improve its technical and scientific innovation. — Elizabeth Hollis