IBGE announces new health survey in Maranhão and raises recruiter education requirement

The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) has begun data collection for the 2026 National Health Survey (PNS) in the state of Maranhão. Over 9,030 households will be visited, with 2,250 homes in the São Luís metropolitan area participating in blood and urine biomarker collection. The survey will assess chronic diseases, lifestyle factors and health system performance, providing detailed data for federal and state health policy.

Separately, IBGE disclosed updates to its temporary hiring for the upcoming agricultural, forestry and aquaculture censuses. More than 27,000 temporary positions are being prepared, and the role of field enumerator (recenseador) will now require completion of high school rather than only elementary education. The change aims to match the technical demands of the new agro‑census, and the position will feature a fixed salary and added benefits.

Both initiatives reflect IBGE's expanded data‑gathering activities and its effort to professionalise the workforce supporting Brazil’s major statistical operations.