The global health regime and the challenges of the pandemic: Brazilian health policy for air border control

Abstract

For this study, the main purpose was to analyze the recognition of the World Health Organization as the manager of the Global Health Regime (regime for the control of the international spread of disease) through the Brazilian health policy for the air border control during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, using a qualitative method with a documentary focus in the period from 2021 to 2022. The data analysis demonstrated that, despite the adverse scenario and the use of scientific controversies by the Jair Bolsonaro administration, Brazil implemented health policies for border control in air transport following advises from the World Health Organization and the International Health Regulations on human rights, vaccination, testing, quarantine, and requested exams. Despite the visible difficulties and weaknesses related to the features of the International system, political preferences and economic structures that may affect the organization’s budget, the requirements for an international global health regime have been met through international policy coordination for Sars-Cov-2 and the analysis of the Brazilian case. Attacks on democracy, scientists and scientific institutions can help us understand and diagnose problems in the democratic system and see the role of science in strengthening the system of checks and balances by preventing authoritarian and discriminatory policies.

Keywords:
International Regimes; Global Health; International Cooperation; Global South; Democracy; Covid-19