The BRICS Health Ministers Meeting on May 22, 2013, in Geneva was part of the broader engagement of BRICS countries in global health initiatives. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the 66th World Health Assembly (WHA). The primary focus was on advancing health-related cooperation among BRICS nations, with particular emphasis on strengthening health surveillance systems and reducing risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Key Points

1. Health Surveillance Systems

The ministers discussed:

• The need for integrated disease surveillance programs
• Sharing of best practices in early warning systems
• Collaboration on cross-border health threats
• Capacity building for rapid response to health emergencies

2. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Detailed discussions included:

• Strategies to reduce tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, and promote healthy diets
• Proposals for joint research on NCD prevention and control
• Exploration of innovative financing mechanisms for NCD programs
• Emphasis on mental health as an integral part of NCD strategies

3. Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

The ministers elaborated on:

• Sharing experiences on different models of achieving UHC
• Strategies to overcome financial barriers to healthcare access
• The role of primary healthcare in achieving UHC
• Addressing healthcare workforce shortages and distribution

4. Technology Transfer and R&D

Discussions encompassed:

• Potential for joint BRICS research initiatives
• Mechanisms for sharing intellectual property for essential medicines
• Collaboration on clinical trials and drug development
• Strategies to enhance local pharmaceutical production capacities

5. Traditional Medicine

The ministers explored:

• Integration of traditional medicine into national health systems
• Research collaboration on the efficacy and safety of traditional remedies
• Potential for developing new drugs based on traditional knowledge
• Protection of indigenous medical knowledge and practices

Outcomes and Commitments

The meeting resulted in:

• A joint communiqué outlining shared health priorities
• Commitment to establish working groups on specific health issues
• Agreement to hold regular BRICS health ministers’ meetings
• Pledge to support each other in achieving health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

Significance

This meeting was significant because:

• It demonstrated the growing influence of BRICS countries in global health governance
• It provided a platform for these emerging economies to align their health policies
• It offered an opportunity to present a unified voice on global health issues at the WHA
• It set the stage for increased South-South cooperation in health

Follow-up Actions

After the meeting:

• BRICS countries increased their contributions to global health initiatives
• They began more frequent information sharing on health surveillance and NCDs
• Preparations were made for subsequent BRICS health ministers’ meetings
• Working groups were established to follow up on specific commitments made during the meeting