Brics countries join hands to fight TB

“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,” says Precious Matsoso, director general, Department of Health, speaking at the network meeting that took place in Johannesburg.

Precious Matsoso, director-general: Department of Health

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.

The meeting is part of the multi-country vision to accelerate research and innovation in TB through cooperation mechanisms.

“Collaborating on such platforms is how the South Africa can strengthen our efforts to end TB” said Dr Barry Kistnasamy, compensation commissioner for occupational diseases.

This is a preparatory meeting in advance of the forthcoming Brics ministers of health meeting scheduled to take place from 18 - 20 July 2018 in Durban.

The network is set against the backdrop of TB epidemic where in 2016, there were an estimated 10.4 million new TB cases globally, with Brics accounting for about 40% of the global TB disease burden and mortality, and at least 50% of the global multidrug resistant TB cases.