The BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—are intensifying their collaborative efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB), aiming to address one of the world’s most pressing health challenges. As these countries account for more than half of the global TB cases, their joint action is set to make a significant impact on global health.
Deepening Cooperation in Health
At the 18th meeting of the BRICS Tuberculosis Research Network held in May, delegates discussed advancements in TB prevention, diagnosis, vaccine development, and treatment strategies. They identified opportunities to mobilize resources and engage in strategic dialogues to overcome the hurdles in ending TB.
“Our collaboration is crucial in accelerating the development of new vaccines and faster treatments,” a representative from the network stated. “By joining forces, we can expand partnerships and share innovations that will benefit not only our nations but the entire global community.”
The Global TB Challenge
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, despite being preventable and curable. Each year, around 10 million people fall ill with TB, and in 2023, an estimated 1.25 million people lost their lives to the disease.
The burden of TB is heaviest in low- and middle-income countries, with approximately half of all cases found in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Pakistan, and the Chinese mainland. Standard treatment involves a six-month course of four antibiotics, but the emergence of drug-resistant TB strains requires longer and more complex therapies.
BRICS Commitment to Ending TB
The Declaration of the XV BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting, held in June, underscores the group’s dedication to ending TB. The declaration calls for deeper international cooperation, sustainable financing, and recognizes the pivotal role of the BRICS TB Research Network in aligning research priorities and approaches among member nations.
By accelerating the development and equitable access to TB-related innovations, the BRICS countries aim to make significant strides toward the WHO’s End TB Strategy, which seeks to eliminate TB as a public health threat by 2035. However, funding challenges persist, with a decline from $6.8 billion in 2019 to $5.7 billion in 2023, representing only 26 percent of the global target.
China’s Contributions
The Chinese mainland has achieved notable progress in TB prevention and treatment over the past decade. Implementing a national plan for 2024-2030, the focus is on strengthening grassroots capabilities and ensuring access to essential services. Recently, a clinical trial of a new mRNA vaccine was launched in Beijing, showcasing advancements in vaccine development.
The experiences and scientific breakthroughs from the Chinese mainland will be shared with BRICS partners through the evolving health cooperation mechanisms. This collaborative approach reflects the collective determination of BRICS nations to address major global health challenges, particularly within the Global South.
A Shared Vision for Global Health
As BRICS countries deepen their health cooperation, their unified efforts against TB signal a paradigm shift in global health collaboration. By leveraging shared resources, expertise, and innovations, they are poised to make a significant impact on reducing TB cases and deaths worldwide.
The momentum generated by these collaborations offers hope for millions affected by TB and sets a precedent for tackling other global health issues through solidarity and shared commitment.
