IBGE to involve Federal Police over health survey fake news

The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) has announced it will involve the Federal Police and the Office of the Attorney General (AGU) to investigate the spread of fake news regarding the 2026 National Health Survey (PNS).

False information circulating on social media has claimed the survey is being used to create a “state DNA bank.” The IBGE has repudiated these claims, clarifying that the collection of blood and urine samples is conducted exclusively for research purposes to monitor health indicators such as glucose, cholesterol, and creatinine levels. The institute emphasized that all biological materials are discarded once the research objectives are met.

The disinformation is reportedly impacting data collection efforts across the country. The survey, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health, aims to assist in planning prevention services, vaccination campaigns, and healthy eating initiatives. The current phase of the study involves visiting 140,000 households to collect data on lifestyle habits and access to healthcare services.