BRICS Countries have committed to work together in fighting TB. This as three of its member countries are among the ones with the highest number of new infections in the World.
Speaking at the BRICS TB Research Network meeting which took place Friday 29 June 2018 in Johannesburg; South Africa, Precious Matsoso who is the South African Health Department Director General, affirmed the Countries stance in joining hands to combat tuberculosis.
We want BRICS to take the lead in a process that will contribute to the elimination of TB by investing in health care innovation, drug discovery and development.
The BRICS TB Research Network was established to develop robust research into new tools, diagnostics, vaccines and drugs; and to inform and accelerate the best use of existing and new interventions in TB control and prevention.
According to the World Health Organisation, TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide.
Three of the BRICS Countries; India, China and South Africa are among the Seven Countries accounting for 64% of new TB cases in 2016 with India leading with new infections worldwide.
The meeting in Johannesburg was held in preparation of the forthcoming BRICS Ministers of Health meeting scheduled to take place from 18 – 20 July 2018 in Durban, South Africa.