Brazilian Chamber Approves National School Health Policy

The Chamber of Deputies' committees have approved a draft law establishing a National Policy for Health in Schools (Projeto de Lei 3591/24). The proposal, reported by multiple committees—including Health, Education and Constitution & Justice—aims to integrate health actions with the education system, ensuring that schools promote mental health, nutrition, vaccination updates, tobacco and e‑cigarette control, and prevention of chronic diseases and cancer. Adoption of the policy will be optional for private, community and nonprofit schools, and will be coordinated with the Unified Health System (SUS) and the existing School Health Program (PSE).

The bill now proceeds to a concluding review by the Finance, Taxation and Constitution & Justice committees before requiring approval by the full Chamber and the Senate. If enacted, it will formalize existing preventive health measures in Brazilian schools and expand them under a unified legal framework.