Created in 1900 as a pioneering initiative in the country, in its 125 years of existence the Oswaldo Cruz Institute has diversified its actions and today constitutes a complex that generates knowledge, products and services in the biomedical area to meet the health needs of the Brazilian population.

IOC acts in research, technological development and innovation areas and provides reference services for the diagnosis of infectious and genetic diseases and vector control, supported by the action of internal committees responsible for ensuring the standards for biosafety, quality and environmental management.

IOC also maintains biological collections of national and international importance and forms scientists and technicians through professional and postgraduate educations.

The basis for the Institute’s activities are its 66 laboratories of research, technological development and innovation, dedicated to study and generate products and supplies for a range of diseases. The most direct interface of IOC with the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) are the provision of regional, national and international reference services.

The interface with the population takes place through the medical assistance of IOC Reference Services in leprosy and hepatitis, the professional training offered in different types of courses and the constant updating of its website.