the secretaria municipal de saúde (sms) - known to English speakers as the municipal secretariat of Health - is rio de Janeiro's governing body regulating health policy in the area.

As part of the country's unified Health system (sus), the body strives to improve the overall health of Brazilians, while prioritizing preventative treatments for serious illnesses and educating the public about how to live healthier lifestyles.

the sms regularly performs activities and checks to maintain the region's health system in a bid to improve the service, and ultimately the overall health of the population.