ABUJA – Nigeria has marked a significant milestone on the global stage with its participation in the BRICS Ministers of Health Meeting held in Brasília, Brazil — the country’s first since its admission as a BRICS partner nation in January 2025.
A press statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, confirmed that Nigeria’s delegation was led by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako. The delegation also joined a high-level event focused on promoting healthy eating habits as a strategy to prevent non-communicable diseases.
The BRICS+ bloc, which now includes additional nations beyond the original five (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), represents 46% of the global population and 25% of the world’s landmass. The grouping has become a powerful voice advocating for reforms in global governance and the interests of the Global South.
During the meeting, BRICS Health Ministers issued a joint declaration that aligns with the Tinubu administration’s key health priorities, including: Domestic production of pharmaceuticals and vaccines, Adoption of artificial intelligence and digital health solutions, Data governance, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Prevention and control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and, Health security and resilience
Beyond policy engagement, Nigeria used the forum to spotlight its ongoing healthcare reforms and achievements under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The meeting also created opportunities to deepen bilateral partnerships with key BRICS nations, particularly Brazil and China.
Notably, discussions were advanced on activating the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism for health cooperation, with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) likely to be signed during the upcoming visit of Brazil’s Vice President later this month.
READ ALSO: Prof Utsev Lauds President Tinubu’s Visit to Benue to Restore Sustainable Peace
NSSF Launches ‘A Mural of Hope’ Campaign: Empowering Youth to Inspire Healing Through Art
In addition, preliminary talks were held with China to support Nigeria’s efforts to solve power challenges in the health sector and to collaborate on phytomedicine development. Chinese companies are expected to participate in Nigeria’s forthcoming National Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector scheduled for later this year.
The Federal Ministry of Health expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his robust international diplomacy, which is unlocking new avenues for global partnerships and investment in Nigeria’s health sector.
