The BRICS nations are set to enhance their cooperation in health matters in 2025, with a particular focus on tuberculosis (TB). This strategic initiative emerges as these member states collectively represent more than 50 percent of globally reported TB cases.

During the 18th meeting of the BRICS Tuberculosis Research Network held in May, discussions concentrated on advancements in TB prevention, diagnosis, vaccines, treatment, and public health interventions. Participants noted the importance of resource mobilization and strategic dialogues in overcoming the challenges posed by this infectious disease.

Collaborative efforts were a key focus of the meeting, with participants agreeing to work jointly on expanding partnerships aimed at developing new vaccines and creating faster treatment options for tuberculosis.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), annually, approximately 10 million individuals fall ill with tuberculosis, making it the deadliest infectious disease worldwide despite being preventable and curable.

Recent WHO data reveals that the highest TB burden is concentrated in low- and middle-income countries, specifically affecting 30 high-burden nations. India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan are home to nearly half of all TB cases.

TB is typically treated with a standard six-month course of antibiotics, primarily rifampicin and isoniazid. However, drug-resistant TB poses significant treatment challenges as it requires longer and more complex therapies.

The WHO's End TB Strategy aims to dramatically reduce deaths and incidence rates, ultimately eliminating catastrophic costs for families affected by TB by 2035. Nonetheless, funding for TB services has declined sharply, dropping from 6.8 billion dollars in 2019 to 5.7 billion dollars in 2023, which represents only a fraction of the global targets.

Ending TB was a focal point in the Declaration of the XV BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting held in Brazil in June. The Declaration highlights the need for enhanced international cooperation, sustainable financing, and the significant role of the BRICS TB Research Network in shaping research priorities.

Through these collaborative initiatives, BRICS countries aim to decisively accelerate the development of tuberculosis-related innovations, reflecting their commitment to addressing major global health challenges, particularly within the Global South.

China has made substantial advancements in TB prevention and treatment over the past decade, initiating a national plan for the years 2024 to 2030. This plan focuses on strengthening grassroots healthcare capabilities and ensuring the delivery of essential services.

With the recent launch of a clinical trial for a new mRNA vaccine in Beijing, China plans to share its experiences and scientific breakthroughs within the framework of the evolving BRICS health cooperation mechanism.