The World Health Organization (WHO) is now accelerating the cooperation among the Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) which account for around 40 per cent of global population.

Following the economic growth efforts over two decades in the BRICS region, WHO sees the need improve the health systems in the region. At a two day event held between June 23 and 24,2014, the June 2014 issue of WHO Bulletin with the theme as ‘BRICS and Global Health’ was released. The bulletin highlights a joint initiative of WHO representatives in BRICS .

In conjunction with the launch, the high-level policy seminar will address selected key thematic issues on the current and future role of BRICS in global health. The forum will focus on  outcome of BRICS side meeting at the 67th World Health Assembly in May 2014. In addition, it will contribute to the next BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting, to be held  Brazil end 2014.
Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Health Minister lauded the World Health Organisation for this important initiative.

In his opening address, C.K. Mishra, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare said, “We have declared health collaboration as a priority to collectively enhance our partnerships among each other and other countries we are engaged with through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. The production of high-quality, affordable medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and other health technologies by the BRICS is improving access in resource-poor countries.

BRICS are becoming more important protagonists in international cooperation and have been contributing to reshaping health cooperation in recent years. They have a stated intent to undertake inclusive global public health cooperation projects, including through South-South and triangular cooperation, said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia Region.

Outlining the importance of the initiative, Dr Nata Menabde, WHO Representative to India said that the launch of the WHO Bulletin on ‘BRICS and global health’ and the policy seminar is an acknowledgement of the unique position of BRICS to influence health at global level.