By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : April 16, 2026 6:58 am
Outlines nine priority health tracks spanning TB research, digital health, early warning systems and regulatory cooperation
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare chaired the first Health Working Group (HWG) meeting under the BRICS framework for 2026 in New Delhi. The meeting brought together senior health officials, technical experts and delegates from BRICS member nations to chart a collaborative roadmap on public health priorities.
Held under India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” the meeting saw participation from Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia, reflecting the bloc’s expanded global health footprint.
In her opening remarks, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said the Health Working Group remains a critical platform for advancing cooperation on communicable and non-communicable diseases, health systems strengthening, affordable medicines, pandemic preparedness and health technology innovation. She emphasised that India’s Chairship will focus on inclusive, sustainable and evidence-driven cooperation that reflects the diverse health systems and socio-economic realities of BRICS nations.
A key highlight of the meeting was India’s proposal of two new priority areas under its Chairship: the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles, aimed at addressing risk factors such as poor diet, inactivity, tobacco and harmful alcohol use; and promotion of mental health and wellness, with a focus on reducing stigma and integrating mental health into broader public health systems.
The working group also deliberated on nine priority areas, including the BRICS TB Research Network, collaboration among medical product regulators, an integrated early warning system for infectious diseases, digital health architecture for continuity of care in remote areas, traditional and integrative medicine, and the BRICS Network of National Public Health Institutes. These priorities are expected to deepen cooperation in research, innovation, regulatory harmonisation and equitable healthcare delivery.
Member countries welcomed India’s leadership and voiced support for the new focus on healthy lifestyles, mental wellness and the integration of traditional medicine into health systems. The meeting concluded with consensus on key deliverables and a roadmap for upcoming technical and ministerial-level engagements under the BRICS Health Track 2026.