BRICS Leaders Issue Rio de Janeiro Declaration and Highlight Health Initiatives Led by Fiocruz

Abstract

BRICS leaders gathered for the 17th Summit on July 6–7 in Rio de Janeiro, where they issued the Rio de Janeiro Declaration, themed “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” Alongside the main document, three additional statements were released. In the human and social development promotion section of the main document, the health-related paragraphs highlight two initiatives led by Fiocruz, a strategic institution of the Brazilian State: the BRICS Network of Research in Public Health and Health Systems and the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Center. The BRICS Network on Research in Public Health and Health Systems fosters health cooperation to address structural and health inequalities in the Global South. It operates on the premise that robust public health systems can drive social and economic improvements, directly and indirectly enhancing living conditions for populations. Meanwhile, the BRICS Vaccine R&D Center is a strategic instrument aimed at enabling member countries to develop autonomous solutions for preventing and controlling infectious diseases, as well as responding to public health emergencies—both domestically and in other nations in need. A third initiative, the Conference of the BRICS National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs), is also being coordinated by Fiocruz. Though not mentioned at the Leaders’ Summit, its significance earned it a place in the BRICS Health Ministers’ declaration. Its recommendations will help advance knowledge on public health issues and support decision-making processes. The BRICS Summit yielded highly positive outcomes across all fronts, though continued follow-up will be necessary to ensure the implementation of approved proposals.