A group of Brazilian researchers and public managers is working on a groundbreaking proposal intended for the World Health Organization (WHO) that suggests including femicide in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). This initiative aims to highlight femicide's significance in health reporting, where these deaths are currently classified under more generic terms such as "homicide" or "external causes," thereby rendering them statistically invisible. By properly coding femicide in health databases, this initiative hopes to establish a solid foundation for health policies that focus on surveillance, prevention, and intervention, akin to strategies employed for other public health emergencies.

In 2025, Brazil saw a record number of femicides, prompting concerns that have catalyzed governmental action. In response to this alarming trend, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced the National Pact Brazil Against Femicide on April 4, 2025, which is a collaborative effort that involves legislative and judicial branches of Brazil's government. However, the announcement fell short in detailing the specific measures necessary to implement the objectives set out in the pact, leading to questions about practical follow-through on these commitments.

This proposed change is significant not only for the statistical acknowledgment of femicide but also for the potential impact it could have on resource allocation, public health interventions, and societal awareness of gender-based violence. By officially recognizing femicide in the ICD, Brazil could inspire other nations to adopt similar measures, thus moving towards a more comprehensive approach to addressing and preventing gender-based violence on a global scale.