India has taken an important step in strengthening global health cooperation by hosting the first Health Working Group (HWG) meeting under BRICS 2026 in New Delhi.
The meeting, organised by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, brought together senior health officials and experts from BRICS member countries to discuss key public health priorities and collaborative strategies.
Theme: A Future-Ready, People-Centric Approach
As the BRICS Chair for 2026, India is guided by the theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”
This theme reflects India’s focus on creating inclusive, adaptable, and future-ready health systems that can respond effectively to emerging global challenges.
Focus on Stronger Global Health Cooperation
During the meeting, discussions centred around:
- Strengthening healthcare systems
- Enhancing pandemic preparedness
- Improving access to affordable medicines
- Promoting health technology innovation
- Advancing Universal Health Coverage
India emphasised the importance of mutual learning, evidence-based policy making, and shared expertise among BRICS nations.
Two New Priority Areas Introduced by India
India proposed two key additions to the BRICS health agenda:
1. Healthy Lifestyle Mission
- Focus on preventing diseases through:
- Better diet
- Physical activity
- Reduced tobacco and alcohol use
2. Promotion of Mental Wellness
- Strengthening mental health services
- Reducing stigma
- Integrating mental health into public health systems
These priorities highlight a shift towards preventive and holistic healthcare.
Existing Strategic Priorities Continue
India also reaffirmed commitment to ongoing initiatives such as:
- BRICS TB Research Network
- Evidence-based traditional medicine
- Digital health systems
- Early warning systems for infectious diseases
Nine Key Areas of Collaboration
The meeting discussed a broad set of priority areas, including:
- Tuberculosis research cooperation
- Digital health architecture
- Regulatory collaboration in medicines
- Early warning systems for pandemics
- Traditional and integrative medicine
- Addressing social determinants of health
These areas aim to improve healthcare delivery, innovation, and resilience across member nations.
Strong Support from Member Countries
BRICS nations welcomed India’s leadership and supported:
- Promotion of healthy lifestyles
- Focus on mental wellness
- Strengthening disease surveillance systems
- Expanding access to healthcare, especially in remote areas
There was also strong emphasis on equitable access to medicines, vaccines, and health technologies.
Conclusion
The first BRICS Health Working Group Meeting under India’s 2026 chairship marks a significant step towards deeper global health collaboration. By focusing on innovation, prevention, and inclusivity, India is positioning itself as a key driver in shaping the future of global public health.