Ministry of Health releases $ 100 million to reinforce care to children with respiratory viruses in SUS

O from Brazil announced last Tuesday (6) a significant annual incentive of $ 100 million intended to strengthen the service to affected by respiratory viruses in the . This measure, which has already been published in the Federal Official Gazette, aims to strengthen care in basic health units and hospitals. The decision arises in response to the worrying increase in cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome in the country, mainly affecting young and elderly children. With this investment, the government seeks to improve both prevention and the treatment of these respiratory diseases.

According to data provided by Fiocruz, through Infogipe, the year 2025 recorded more than 45,000 cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SRAG). Of these cases, 42.9% were confirmed as positive for some type of viruses. The respiratory sincial virus, which mainly affects young children, was responsible for 38.4% of positive cases. Other viruses identified include rinovirus (27.9%), COVID-19 (20.7%), influenza A (11.2%) and influenza B (1.6%). The Ministry of Health’s investment will be directed to combat these viruses, with a special focus on the sintendic virus, which has shown a significant impact on child health.

In addition to increasing financial resources, the Ministry of Health announced a “day D” of flu vaccination, scheduled for next Saturday (10). This initiative seeks to increase vaccination coverage and protect priority groups, such as the elderly, against influenza.

The flu vaccine is also available free of charge at the Unified Health System (SUS) posts and is currently directed to the following priority groups:

• 6 -month -old children under 6
• Elderly from 60 years
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic diseases
• Health workers, teachers and security forces, among others

*With information from Beatriz Manfredini

*Report produced with the aid of AI