[Hospitals safe from disasters: a reflection on architecture and biosafety].

One of the biggest challenges in today's society is facing adversity caused by disasters. Health facilities, especially hospitals, are considered essential in these situations. This article discusses the principles of architectural design of hospitals safe from disasters, as proposed by the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization.

Health surveillance, biosafety and emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases in Brazil.

The present paper presents compulsory notification data for infectious diseases and epidemiologic ones recorded at the Center for Strategic Information and Health Surveillance (CIEVS) for the period of March 2006 to April 2007. Data is presented in accordance with geographic distribution, time and risk classification of the etiologic agents found, according to Ministry of Health regulations. The importance of this epidemiologic surveillance system is presented, debating the main topics required for quality improvement and information analysis.

Emerging and reemerging diseases in Brazil: data of a recent history of risks and uncertainties.

This article discusses the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases on the basis of a review of the literature. It shows the critical situations faced worldwide and in special Brazil's susceptible position due to its complexity, mostly represented by the mega-biodiversity of the country and its socio-economic problems directly affecting public health. It approaches the discussions around the issue with emphasis to the recommended investments in the health sector, directed to surveillance and to strengthening the epidemiological, laboratorial and clinical bases and centered on preventive and control measures in the affected areas including Biosafety.