CSP received more than 2,200 article submissions in 2016. This volume reiterates the journal's importance as a channel for science publication in Public Health and encourages us as Editors to renew our commitment to publishing articles that explore socially relevant research issues with creativity and diversity ¹1. Carvalho MS, Travassos C, Coeli CM. Mais do mesmo? Cad Saúde Pública 2013; 29:2141-3..

Throughout 2016, we extended our policy of opening the journal's pages to current political and economic issues. In the Perspectives section we published 14 papers addressing current themes, from environmental problems ²2. Porto MFS. A tragédia da mineração e do desenvolvimento no Brasil: desafios para a saúde coletiva. Cad Saúde Pública 2016; 32:e00211015.^{), (3}3. Rocha RL. Os negócios da mídia e a comunicação da saúde. Cad Saúde Pública 2016; 32:e00000616.^{), (4}4. Barcellos C, Hacon SS. Um grau e meio. E daí? Cad Saúde Pública 2016; 32:e00212315.^{), (5}5. Aguilar-León P, Solano-Zapata F. Heatwaves and health: reflections on the El Niño phenomenon in Piura, Peru. Cad Saúde Pública 2016; 32:e00046816. to gender issues ⁶6. Galli B, Deslandes S. Ameaças de retrocesso nas políticas de saúde sexual e reprodutiva no Brasil em tempos de epidemia de Zika. Cad Saúde Pública 2016; 32:e00031116.^{), (7}7. Zanatta LF, Grein MI, Álvarez-Dardet C, Moraes SP, Brêtas JRS, Ruiz-Cantero MT, et al. Igualdade de gênero: por que o Brasil vive retrocessos? Cad Saúde Pública 2016; 32:e00089616.. We also organized three Thematic Sections on topics with major impact on society and the scientific community: (i) Outsourcing and Health, (ii) Zika and Pregnancy; and (iii) Fiscal Austerity, Rights, and Health. Importantly, while the theme of Zika and Pregnancy highlights the need to guarantee women's ample access to safe contraception and care for their affected infants, the journal's analyses of the fiscal regime point to substantial cuts in health spending in the coming years. Reactivation of the Interview section could not have enjoyed a better new start than with Professor Ezra S. Susser welcoming our Editor-in-Chief Marilia Sá Carvalho at Columbia University (USA) for a fruitful exchange of ideas on causality and other current topics in Epidemiology ⁸8. Carvalho MS. I think there should be a mutual learning. Interview with Ezra S. Susser. Cad Saúde Pública 2016; 32:eEN011216..

But 2016 was a difficult year. We joined the struggle in the defense of democracy and social rights, opening the pages of CSP to analyses and reflections on the current political moment in Brazil ⁹9. Candotti E. "Fica MCTI" e o Dr. Ulisses. Cad Saúde Pública 2016; 32:eED010716.. Our commitment is to truth and science. We will confront the age of "post-truth" politics ¹⁰10. Bentes I. A memética e a era da pós-verdade. Cult 2016; 31 out. http://revistacult.uol.com.br/home/2016/10/a-memetica-e-a-era-da-pos-verdade/.
http://revistacult.uol.com.br/home/2016/... with the necessary seriousness, but also with the courage to join in the controversy, making all possible efforts ¹¹11. Williamson P. Take the time and effort to correct misinformation. Nature 2016; 540:171.. It is a daunting struggle, against weapons like unfounded allegations and undue exposure, aimed at silencing voices that defend a more egalitarian society ¹²12. Sidahmed M. Professor Watchlist website elicits both fear and ridicule in US universities. The Guardian 2016; 2 dez. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/dec/02/professor-watchlist-website-academic?CMP=share_btn_tw.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016... , or court cases financed with vast resources aimed at discrediting and intimidating scientists ¹³13. Kolbert E. Why scientists are scared of Trump: a pocket guide. The New Yorker 2016; 8 dez. http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/why-scientists-are-scared-of-trump-a-pocket-guide.
http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comm... , tactics already widely used the United States and that have begun here in Brazil as well ¹⁴14. Acadêmicos protestam contra intimidação a jornalistas. JMais Jornalismo Digital 2016; 29 jun. http://jmais.com.br/academicos-da-uniuv-protestam-contra-intimidacao-a-jornalistas/.
http://jmais.com.br/academicos-da-uniuv-... . The process is called lawfare - the undue use of the legal system to persecute, coerce, and delegitimize serious institutions and researchers.

Every year we choose a theme for the photos that illustrate our journal covers. In 2016 we chose the theme Encounters, impacted as we were by the rekindled drama of xenophobia in the world. For 2017 we have chosen the theme of Street Art. Open to one and all that pass by. Militant, polemical, daring, courageous, and free. On the streets. That is what we intend 2017 to be for all those who are concerned about the future of science, collective health, and society.

To street artists, our tribute.

With brighter days ahead.

Publication Dates