PBAT’s Health Reforms Earn Nigeria BRICS Membership
In January this year, in recognition of the strategic position of Nigeria and demonstration of confidence in the government of PBAT, Nigeria was admitted as a partner country of BRICS.
BRICS (now BRICS+), established 16 years ago, comprises some of the world’s most populous and influential nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, etc. This coalition aims to reform global governance and advocate for the interests of the Global South. BRICS+ represents 46% of the world’s population and 25% of its landmass.
Nigeria’s delegation, led by Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako made its inaugural appearance at the BRICS Ministers of Health Meeting in Brasilia, Brazil. The delegation also participated in a high-level event focused on promoting healthy eating practices and their role in preventing non-communicable diseases.
The meeting, according to a Statement by the Ministry’s Head, Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, culminated in a ministerial declaration on global health, aligning with key priorities of the Tinubu administration, including:
Domestic production of pharmaceuticals and vaccines, Leveraging AI and digital health, Data governance, Universal health coverage, Prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, and neglected tropical diseases as well as Health security
Beyond showcasing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda and health sector achievements, the platform enabled Nigeria to bolster south-south cooperation, particularly with key BRICS nations, Brazil and China.
Discussions advanced on the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism in the health sector, with a strong likelihood of an MOU signing during the upcoming visit of Brazil’s Vice President later in the month
We initiated discussions with China on collaborating to address health sector power challenges and advancing phytomedicine development. Chinese companies are slated to participate in the National Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector later this year
The Federal Ministry of Health remains grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his concerted international diplomacy which is opening up new vistas of cooperation for us in the health sector.
