The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, has called for joint efforts and new partnerships to address the priorities outlined in the BRICS health agenda, including innovation, equity, food systems for healthy diets, and pandemic preparedness.

“The BRICS countries are not only economic and political powers but also public health leaders,” said Dr. Barbosa during the opening ceremony of the 15th BRICS Ministers of Health Meeting, in Brasilia, Brazil today. “Together, your countries represent over 40% of the world’s population, and your advances in health coverage, epidemic response, and local innovation have global relevance.”

For the PAHO Director, the countries of the Americas – particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean – face similar structural challenges as BRICS countries and are working towards aligned health priorities, including through addressing the burden of noncommunicable diseases, modernizing health systems, preparing for the impacts of climate change on health, promoting digital health and innovation, eliminating communicable diseases and promoting healthier diets.