On July 28, 2021, the XI BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting was held virtually, hosted by India. This meeting focused on the theme “BRICS Requital to COVID-19: Towards Digitalised Holistic Framework for Pandemic Preparedness.” It was attended by health ministers from Brazil, Russia, China, India, and South Africa, representing a significant portion of the global population.

Context of the Meeting

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted vulnerabilities in global health systems and the need for enhanced cooperation among nations. The 2021 meeting came at a time when BRICS countries were grappling with the effects of the pandemic, including health system strains, economic downturns, and the urgent need for equitable access to vaccines and treatments.

Objectives of the Meeting

The primary objectives of the XI BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting included:

1. Strengthening Pandemic Preparedness: To discuss strategies for improving readiness for future health crises.
2. Enhancing Cooperation: To foster collaboration among member states in health research, vaccine development, and distribution.
3. Promoting Universal Health Coverage: To address health equity and access to essential health services for all citizens.
4. Leveraging Digital Health Technologies: To explore the role of digital health in improving health outcomes and managing public health emergencies.

Key Discussions

1. COVID-19 Response and Recovery

The ministers shared their countries’ experiences in managing the pandemic, highlighting successful strategies and ongoing challenges. They emphasized the need for a coordinated global response, including sharing best practices and data.

2. Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

A significant portion of the discussions focused on achieving UHC, which is critical for ensuring that all individuals have access to necessary health services without financial hardship. The ministers recognized that UHC is essential not only for responding to pandemics but also for addressing broader health issues.

3. Vaccine Development and Distribution

The meeting underscored the importance of equitable access to vaccines. The ministers discussed the establishment of the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Centre, which aims to facilitate collaboration in vaccine research, development, and distribution, ensuring that vaccines are accessible to all member states.

4. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

The health ministers addressed the rising threat of AMR, advocating for a “One Health” approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health. They discussed the need for joint efforts in surveillance, research, and public awareness campaigns to combat AMR.

5. Traditional Medicine

Recognizing the importance of traditional medicine in the health systems of BRICS countries, the ministers proposed the establishment of a high-level forum to discuss strategic implementation and integration of traditional medicine into national health policies.

Outcomes of the Meeting

1. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

The ministers agreed to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the regulation of medical products. This MoU aims to enhance collaboration in ensuring the availability of essential medicines and medical supplies, particularly during health emergencies.

2. BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Centre

The establishment of the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Centre was a key outcome, aimed at promoting joint research initiatives and ensuring that vaccines are developed and distributed fairly among member states.

3. Commitment to Digital Health

The meeting resulted in a commitment to leverage digital health technologies to improve health systems, enhance data sharing, and facilitate remote healthcare services, which became increasingly important during the pandemic.

4. Future Collaborations

The health ministers expressed their intent to continue collaborating on health issues, with plans for future meetings to monitor progress and discuss emerging health challenges.

The XI BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting was a significant step towards enhancing health cooperation among member states in the face of ongoing global health challenges. By focusing on pandemic preparedness, vaccine accessibility, and universal health coverage, BRICS countries demonstrated their commitment to improving health outcomes for their populations and fostering a collaborative approach to global health issues. The outcomes of the meeting set the stage for continued cooperation and innovation in health policy and practice among the BRICS nations.