During the 2024–2025 biennium, Uruguay achieved a major institutional milestone through the establishment of the Uruguayan Health Surveillance Agency (AVISU) as the national regulatory authority for medicines and health technologies. This development significantly strengthened national stewardship, governance, and regulatory oversight of health products.

PAHO provided substantive technical cooperation throughout this process, including support for the technical justification of the legislation establishing AVISU and support in the self‑assessment of national regulatory functions using globally accepted benchmarking tools. The application of such tools enabled the identification of priority gaps and the definition of improvement plans aligned with internationally recognized regulatory standards.

The establishment of AVISU and the initiation of a structured regulatory strengthening process contribute to improved access to safe, effective, and quality‑assured medicines and health technologies, supporting service delivery for all and the sustainability of the health system. This achievement also enhances the country’s capacity to respond to challenges related to technological innovation and increasing market complexity, with expected medium‑ and long‑term benefits for public health outcomes.

Photo caption: PAHO/WHO Representative visiting the pharmacy of the Giordano Health Center.

Credit: PAHO Uruguay