The X Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Health took place virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The event was a significant platform for the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—to discuss and coordinate their responses to the global health crisis.

Key Themes and Objectives

1. COVID-19 Response and Solidarity:
   • The primary theme of the meeting was “Era of COVID-19: Global BRICS Solidarity for Health Safety”. This reflected the urgent need for collaborative efforts to combat the pandemic.
   • Ministers shared their experiences and strategies in managing the pandemic, highlighting successful interventions and challenges faced.
2. Universal Health Coverage:
   • Emphasis was placed on ensuring universal and equitable access to health technologies and treatments for COVID-19. This included diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.
   • The ministers acknowledged the importance of strengthening health systems to be more resilient and capable of handling future health emergencies.

Key Discussions and Agreements

1. Information Exchange and Best Practices:
   • Each country presented detailed reports on their national COVID-19 situation, including statistics, measures taken, and outcomes.
   • Best practices were shared, such as India’s extensive testing and contact tracing efforts, China’s rapid construction of healthcare facilities, and Russia’s development of the Sputnik V vaccine.
2. Joint Initiatives:
   • The ministers discussed potential joint initiatives to enhance public health safety across BRICS nations. This included collaborative research on vaccines and treatments, as well as coordinated public health campaigns.
   • They also explored the possibility of establishing a BRICS vaccine research and development center.
3. Declaration of the X Meeting:
   • The meeting concluded with the adoption of the “Declaration of the X Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Health”. This document outlined the collective commitments of the BRICS nations to continue their cooperation in the health sector.
   • The declaration emphasized the importance of multilateral efforts and the role of the United Nations in coordinating the global response to the pandemic.
4. Publication of Measures:
   • The ministers welcomed the publication of a consolidated document titled “BRICS Countries measures taken in the field of healthcare to counter the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)”.
   • This document served as a comprehensive guide to the various strategies implemented by BRICS countries, providing a valuable resource for other nations.

Focus on Tuberculosis

• The impact of COVID-19 on the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) was a significant concern. The ministers discussed ways to ensure that TB programs continued effectively despite the pandemic.
• They recognized the need for innovative approaches to maintain TB services and prevent setbacks in the progress made over the years.

Multilateral Efforts and Future Plans

• The meeting underscored the necessity of coordinated and inclusive multilateral efforts. The BRICS nations reiterated their commitment to working together and with international organizations to address global health challenges.
• Future plans included continued collaboration on health research, capacity building, and the development of health technologies.

The X Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Health in November 2020 was a crucial event that highlighted the importance of international cooperation in the face of a global health crisis. By sharing knowledge, resources, and strategies, the BRICS nations aimed to strengthen their collective response to COVID-19 and enhance their preparedness for future health emergencies. The meeting’s outcomes, including the declaration and the publication of measures, set the stage for ongoing collaboration and solidarity among the BRICS countries in the health sector.