India Hosts First BRICS Health Working Group Meet

• 16 Apr 2026

On 15th April 2026, India hosted the first Health Working Group (HWG) meeting under the BRICS framework for 2026 in New Delhi, focusing on global public health cooperation.

• The meeting was chaired by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava with participation from nine member countries including Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.
• India’s BRICS presidency theme for 2026 is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
• Two new priority areas were proposed- BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles and Promotion of Mental Health and Wellness.
• Member nations supported these priorities along with integration of traditional and complementary medicine.
• Key focus areas include TB research, digital health systems, infectious disease early warning systems, and regulatory cooperation.
• Discussions emphasised universal health coverage, equitable access to medicines, and strengthening pandemic preparedness.
• The BRICS TB Research Network and integrated disease surveillance systems were highlighted as immediate priorities.