NEW DELHI: India has proposed a stronger focus on mental health and healthy lifestyles under its BRICS chairship on Wednesday, as it hosted the first Health Working Group meeting for 2026 in the capital.The meeting brought together senior health officials from BRICS — a grouping of major emerging economies including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with partner countries — to discuss cooperation on key public health challenges. Highlighting a preventive and people-centric approach, India introduced two new priority areas — a BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles and promotion of mental health and wellness — aimed at addressing risk factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use and stress.Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said the Health Working Group would focus on building resilient and adaptable health systems through cooperation, mutual learning and evidence-based policymaking, while recognising the diverse needs of member countries.The discussions also reiterated ongoing priorities, including the BRICS TB Research Network, collaboration on medical products regulation, digital health systems and early warning mechanisms for infectious diseases.Officials emphasised the importance of strengthening health systems, improving access to affordable medicines and vaccines, and enhancing cooperation in research and innovation.Member countries expressed support for India’s proposed priorities and highlighted the need for deeper collaboration on tuberculosis, equitable access to health technologies and addressing broader social determinants of health.The meeting concluded with agreement on a roadmap for future engagements under the BRICS Health Track 2026, focusing on cooperation, innovation and strengthening public health systems across member nations.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIMF Says India Growing Twice As Fast As World Economy, Signals Strength Amid Global SlowdownIndia May Face Oil Supply Pressure As US Ends Russian Crude Waiver, Says Bessent’India In Talks With Many Countries Over Hormuz’: MEA Amid US’ Naval BlockadeTamil Nadu elections 2026: Freebies war heats up between DMK, AIADMK & rivals’Not Shehbaz Sharif’: Ex-Minister Fawad Chaudhry Calls Asim Munir ‘De Facto Leader Of Pakistan’TCS Row Explodes: Horrific Details Of Sexual Abuse, Conversion Claims Rock India’s CorporateWomen’s Reservation Bill A ‘Trick’ To Hike Lok Sabha Seats? | Delimitation | Slam Dunk With TehseenIndia Bloc Backs Women’s Reservation But Opposes Delimitation, Flags Risk Of Political Power Shift‘Completely Unacceptable’: Jaishankar Slams Attacks On Merchant Shipping At Azec Plus MeetWomen’s Quota Bill: Govt Clarifies 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan, Opposition Flags Delimitation Concerns123PhotostoriesFrom marigold to chrysanthemum: 5 flowering plants that can help get rid of lizards at home5 simple things to look for while picking right muskmelon and 3 simple ways to enjoy it during summerTCS Nashik scandal deepens: NCW orders probe, multiple FIRs, staff on WFHChopping board to aluminium foil: 6 common kitchen items to throw out immediately and whyP. V. Sindhu’s elegant Hyderabad home combines minimalist interiors, family-centric spaces, and breathtaking hilltop viewsWhy visiting the Banaras ghats can change the way you see life and deathHard to believe but these are probably the 10 dirtiest spots in a hotel roomIf your partner does THESE 7 things, they may be emotionally checked out of the relationship8 ’90s baby names making a comeback with Gen AlphaGauranga Das shares 3 ways to deal with toxic family members123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTaylor Swift Wedding DressCanada Citizenship GarbaUK Migrant Gay ClaimsCBSE Class 12 ResultNirav ModiOmar Tricolour RowKargil Statehood DemandIPL Points TableIran crude oilMeenu Batra
NEW DELHI: India has proposed a stronger focus on mental health and healthy lifestyles under its BRICS chairship on Wednesday, as it hosted the first Health Working Group meeting for 2026 in the capital.The meeting brought together senior health officials from BRICS — a grouping of major emerging economies including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with partner countries — to discuss cooperation on key public health challenges.
Highlighting a preventive and people-centric approach, India introduced two new priority areas — a BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles and promotion of mental health and wellness — aimed at addressing risk factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use and stress.Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said the Health Working Group would focus on building resilient and adaptable health systems through cooperation, mutual learning and evidence-based policymaking, while recognising the diverse needs of member countries.The discussions also reiterated ongoing priorities, including the BRICS TB Research Network, collaboration on medical products regulation, digital health systems and early warning mechanisms for infectious diseases.Officials emphasised the importance of strengthening health systems, improving access to affordable medicines and vaccines, and enhancing cooperation in research and innovation.Member countries expressed support for India’s proposed priorities and highlighted the need for deeper collaboration on tuberculosis, equitable access to health technologies and addressing broader social determinants of health.The meeting concluded with agreement on a roadmap for future engagements under the BRICS Health Track 2026, focusing on cooperation, innovation and strengthening public health systems across member nations.
