The BRICS bloc, representing five of the world's largest emerging economies, is set to redefine global health collaboration with a renewed focus on eradicating tuberculosis (TB) by 2025. With member states accounting for over 50% of global TB cases, the alliance is prioritizing accelerated vaccine development and streamlined treatments to address one of humanity's oldest infectious threats.
A Coordinated Front Against TB
At the 18th BRICS Tuberculosis Research Network meeting in May, health experts from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa outlined plans to strengthen partnerships for innovative diagnostics and public health strategies. Key resolutions included expanding access to next-generation antibiotics and addressing funding gaps that have hampered progress since 2019.
Why TB Demands Global Attention
1.25 million TB-related deaths reported in 2023 (WHO)
India, Indonesia, China, Philippines, and Pakistan bear 50% of global cases
Drug-resistant strains complicate standard 6-month treatments
Global TB funding fell 16% between 2019-2023
While the WHO's End TB Strategy aims to eliminate the disease as a public health threat by 2035, current funding levels sit at just 26% of required targets. BRICS nations are now positioning themselves as critical players in bridging this gap through South-South cooperation and technology sharing.
