India has placed strong emphasis on lifestyle modifications and mental health as key global health priorities during the first Health Working Group meeting under its 2026 BRICS presidency. The meeting brought together senior health officials and delegates from nine member nations to discuss collaborative approaches to pressing public health challenges, including tuberculosis research, digital health systems, and broader wellness initiatives. The virtual session was chaired by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava and reflected the expanded BRICS membership, now spanning multiple regions across four continents.
The discussions were held under India’s BRICS chairship theme for 2026, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” which aligns with a people-centric health diplomacy approach. The agenda aims to strengthen inclusive and scalable health cooperation among member countries while addressing both communicable and non-communicable diseases. India’s approach also underscores the need for evidence-based policy frameworks that can be adapted across diverse healthcare systems.
A major focus of the meeting was India’s proposal to launch a “BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles,” which aims to address rising global health risks linked to poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption. Officials highlighted that non-communicable diseases are becoming a major burden across developing and developed nations, making preventive healthcare and lifestyle awareness essential components of public health strategy.
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Another key initiative proposed by India is the promotion of mental health and wellness across BRICS nations. The proposal calls for strengthening mental health services, reducing stigma associated with psychological disorders, and integrating mental healthcare into mainstream health systems. Member countries broadly supported the initiative, recognising mental health as a growing concern that requires coordinated international action and stronger policy attention.
The meeting also reviewed nine priority areas, including TB research collaboration, digital health infrastructure, early warning systems for infectious diseases, regulatory cooperation for medical products, and traditional medicine integration. Member nations reaffirmed their commitment to universal health coverage, equitable access to healthcare technologies, and stronger pandemic preparedness systems. The discussions highlighted a shared vision of improving resilience and coordination in global health governance through sustained BRICS cooperation.
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