Russian Research Institute of Health Joins First BRICS Public Health Institutes Network Meeting

On April 15, 2025, the Central Research Institute for Healthcare Organization and Informatization (RIH) proudly represented Russia at the inaugural meeting of the BRICS Network of Public Health Institutes. The event, chaired by Brazil and held via videoconference, gathered public health leaders from Brazil, India, Indonesia, Iran, China, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, and South Africa.

The RIH delegation included Director Olga Kobyakova, Head of the International Relations Department Maria Shevchenko, and Lead Specialist Ksenia Sheverova.

Importantly, the creation of the BRICS Network was originally proposed by Russia during the first BRICS Public Health Experts Meeting in September 2024. The initiative received unanimous support from all member countries and was officially reflected in the final ministerial declaration.

The meeting agenda featured six thematic sessions, focusing on sharing national experiences, identifying common priorities, and outlining opportunities for joint research and collaboration.

Opening the discussions, Olga Kobyakova presented the outcomes of the 2024 meeting and highlighted Russia’s leadership role in launching the Network, designed to serve as a platform for long-term cooperation and innovation in public health across BRICS countries.

Later, Maria Shevchenko delivered an overview of Russia’s healthcare system, presenting key strengths, current challenges, and areas where collaboration could drive meaningful progress. Despite diverse healthcare models, participants recognized strikingly similar priorities: strengthening primary healthcare, enhancing digital health systems, broadening access to services, and investing in workforce development.

Several forward-looking proposals were discussed:

• Launching a joint online platform for sharing demographic, social, and health system data;
• Publishing a monograph on national healthcare systems across BRICS countries;
• Expanding collaborative research in areas like NCD control, climate change and health, digital innovation, and public health preparedness.

Russia also stressed the importance of careful financial planning to ensure the success of new digital platforms and projects.

The meeting concluded with strong consensus to continue building the Network’s work, and the next session is scheduled for May 29, 2025, focusing on strategies to strengthen healthcare systems.

Through RIH, Russia remains fully committed to fostering this vital partnership—uniting BRICS countries around innovation, knowledge exchange, and joint action for healthier societies.