BRICS approves partnership to eliminate socially determined diseases
The BRICS countries approved the development of the Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases. The initiative, discussed during the meetings leading up to the group’s Leaders’ Summit, is now included in the Final Declaration of the 17th Summit—the Rio de Janeiro Declaration—released on Sunday (July 6).
“By prioritizing integrated and multisectoral responses, we aim to address the root causes of health disparities—such as poverty and social exclusion—by enhancing cooperation, mobilizing resources, and fostering innovation to ensure a healthier future for all,” the document says.
The theme was one of eight health priorities set by Brazil’s BRICS presidency and was inspired by the Healthy Brazil Program, which aims to address social and environmental issues affecting the health of the most socially vulnerable.
The goal is for countries to work together to eliminate diseases that primarily affect low-income populations and are often neglected by research in wealthier nations. These so-called “diseases of poverty” include tuberculosis, leprosy, malaria, dengue, and yellow fever.
In addition to the 11 BRICS members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia—Malaysia, Bolivia, and Cuba, which are partner countries of the forum, also joined the initiative.
In a statement commenting on the highlights of the final declaration, the Brazilian presidency of BRICS celebrated the launch of the initiative.
“We are very pleased with the launch of the Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases, a milestone for advancing health equity that demonstrates our commitment to addressing the root causes of health disparities, such as poverty and social exclusion,” the document reads.
In the final declaration, the countries also recognize that “BRICS cooperation in combating tuberculosis and antimicrobial resistance, strengthening capacities for preventing communicable and noncommunicable diseases and other health issues, and sharing experiences—including traditional medicine and digital health systems—contributes significantly to relevant international efforts.”
In addition to the traditional leaders’ declaration, three other documents were also approved:
· BRICS Leaders’ Framework Statement on Climate Finance
· BRICS Leaders’ Statement on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence
· BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases
