We are ecstatic to discuss the recent establishment of the BRICS Health and Pharmaceutical Association for Africa (BRICS-HPAA). According to China Daily and HealthCare Middle East & Africa Magazine, this initiative is a significant step toward improving health systems across the African continent and bracing for future pandemics.
Launched in South Africa, the BRICS-HPAA seeks to utilize research, development, and advanced technology from BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to combat the disease burden in Africa. The association, comprised of members from various African nations and the private sectors of all BRICS nations, seeks to enhance the utilization of traditional medicine with help from China and India, which are already highly developed in this area.
Hilton Klein, chairman and chief executive officer of the Numolux Group, which founded the association, emphasized the importance of vaccine manufacturing, traditional medicine, and innovation hubs for research and development initiatives in Africa. He stated, “We look forward to collaborating with BRICS nations to manufacture capabilities in South Africa, in particular, to serve the rest of the African continent. We will collaborate with the New Development Bank of BRICS to make affordable, high-quality medicines, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices available to all BRICS-aligned nations, preferably in their respective national currencies.”
In order to eradicate disease and pandemics in Africa and BRICS-aligned countries, the association also intends to put up an mRNA and traditional vaccine manufacturing factory. This initiative will facilitate partnerships between African and BRICS companies in R&D, the creation of vaccine manufacturing facilities, and the exchange of knowledge and experiences.
Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, a member of the Executive Council for Health in the South African province of Gauteng, praised Numolux’s initiative. She stated, “We are committed to strengthening relations with African countries and BRICS partners. We need to bring in BRICS countries because they are key in terms of the work we want to do in the areas of pharmaceuticals.”
The BRICS nations, comprising 40% of the worldwide population and a quarter of the globe’s GDP, use a hybrid public-private model for financing and providing healthcare. This partnership between Africa and BRICS could help attain universal health coverage by utilizing their knowledge and technology.
The establishment of the BRICS-HPAA demonstrates the effectiveness of multilateral cooperation in healthcare. We can strive toward a healthier future for all by utilizing the strengths of every individual in our nation. Syenza, as leaders in health economics and outcomes research, we are eager to observe the advancements that this organization will unquestionably make in the coming years.
