Abrahão Nunes da Silva

Biography and Expertise of Abrahão Nunes da Silva

Abrahão Nunes da Silva holds a strategic position in the formulation of public health policies in Brazil. As a National Health Councillor, he participates in the deliberations that shape the direction of the country’s Unified Health System, known as the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). His role is central to social participation in health management, a foundational principle of the SUS.

Moreover, his specific expertise is demonstrated through his leadership as the Coordinator of the Commission for the Promotion, Protection and Integrative and Complementary Health Practices. This position places him at the forefront of efforts to expand and strengthen these practices within the public system. Therefore, his work directly aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems,” providing a practical model of how a nation can institutionalize these approaches.

The experience of Abrahão Nunes da Silva also resonates with the congress motto, particularly the pillars of “Knowledge Diversity” and “Well-being Societies.” By promoting formally recognized integrative practices, he contributes to a more pluralistic and comprehensive healthcare model. This work is crucial for implementing the principles of the Gujarat Declaration and the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy within the Latin American context.

Professional Career and Public Service of Abrahão Nunes da Silva

The professional career of Abrahão Nunes da Silva is characterized by his active participation in key institutions of Brazilian public health. His roles reflect a commitment to social representation and the advancement of integrative health policies. His work is situated within the complex framework of health governance and social control in Brazil.

His positions involve direct engagement with policy-making and strategic oversight of health initiatives at a national level. This trajectory highlights a focus on strengthening public health through inclusive and diverse approaches to care.

• National Health Councillor of Brazil: Serves as a member of the National Health Council, the highest deliberative body of the SUS, where representatives from government, service providers, health professionals, and users define national health policies.
• Coordinator of the Commission for the Promotion, Protection and Integrative and Complementary Health Practices: Leads the specific commission responsible for advising the National Health Council on matters related to the National Policy for Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNPIC).
• Member of the National Coordination – CMP/Brazil: Represents an organization within the national coordination structure, contributing to broader social and political dialogues.

Board and Committee Activities

Abrahão Nunes da Silva dedicates his professional activities to high-level participation in boards and committees that are fundamental to Brazil’s public health system. His involvement ensures that diverse perspectives are included in national health policy discussions. This engagement is crucial for the democratic governance of the SUS.

Through his committee work, he directly influences the agenda for integrative health in Brazil. His leadership role involves articulating demands from society and translating them into concrete policy recommendations for the Ministry of Health.

• National Health Council (Conselho Nacional de Saúde – CNS): As a councillor, he is part of a key collegiate body that inspects, proposes, and deliberates on the formulation and execution of Brazilian health policy, including its economic and financial aspects.
• Commission for Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (PICS): In his role as Coordinator, he guides the work of this permanent commission of the CNS. The commission is responsible for monitoring and proposing improvements to the National Policy for Integrative and Complementary Practices, which institutionalizes therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and medicinal plants within the SUS.
• National Coordination of CMP/Brazil: His membership in this coordination body reflects his engagement with social movements, a vital component of the participatory structure of the Brazilian health system.