India Champions Mental Health and Lifestyle Health at BRICS Meeting

Strengthening Focus on Public Health Challenges

NEW DELHI: On Wednesday, India took a significant step towards enhancing public health by proposing a robust focus on mental health and healthy lifestyles during its BRICS chairmanship. This initiative was highlighted at the inaugural Health Working Group (HWG) meeting for 2026, held in the capital.

The gathering included senior health officials from BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—as well as partner countries to discuss cooperation on pressing public health issues.

Introduction of New Health Priorities

During the meeting, India underscored a preventive, people-centric approach by introducing two pivotal priority areas: the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles and the promotion of mental health and wellness. These initiatives aim to address critical risk factors, including unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and stress.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized that the Health Working Group would aim to build resilient and adaptable health systems through cooperation, mutual learning, and evidence-based policymaking. This strategy acknowledges the diverse health needs of member countries.

Ongoing Priorities and Collaborative Efforts

The discussions at the meeting also reiterated ongoing priorities, such as the BRICS Tuberculosis (TB) Research Network, increased collaboration on medical product regulation, the advancement of digital health systems, and the establishment of early warning mechanisms for infectious diseases.

Officials conveyed the necessity of strengthening health systems, improving access to affordable medicines and vaccines, and enhancing collaborative research and innovation.

Support for India’s Proposed Initiatives

Member countries expressed strong support for India’s proposed health priorities. They highlighted the need for deeper cooperation on tuberculosis, equitable access to health technologies, and addressing broader social determinants of health.

Roadmap for Future Engagements

The meeting concluded with a solid agreement on a roadmap for future engagements under the BRICS Health Track for 2026, concentrating on cooperation, innovation, and the fortification of public health systems across member nations. This collective effort aims to create a healthier future for all BRICS countries.