Experts Hold Videoconference to Discuss BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for Preventing Mass Infectious Diseases

A group of experts met on 27 March via videoconference as part of Russia’s BRICS Chairship to discuss the creation of an Integrated Early Warning System for Preventing the Risk of Mass Infectious Diseases.

The integrated system is being established to improve the ability of BRICS member states to detect and respond promptly to the threats posed by new infectious diseases with the potential for a mass outbreak.

The initiative will lay the foundation for a better coordinated response to the spread of infectious diseases within BRICS.

The meeting was attended by representatives of BRICS Health Ministries and infectious disease experts.

Event participants presented reports on the epidemic situation in their countries and on national systems for early detection and response to the spread of existing and emerging infectious diseases. The Russian delegation also came forward with a proposal for the further development of the Integrated System.

The BRICS delegates were adamant about the importance of working together to detect and respond promptly to the threats of new infectious diseases and were receptive to the Russian proposals.

The meeting ended with the BRICS representatives endorsing the Russian proposal to establish a working group to:

• appoint coordinators from BRICS Health Ministries who will map out the next steps for the development of the Integrated System;
• develop regulations and technical specifications for the Integrated System:
• appoint technical experts who will create a BRICS specialist network for epidemiological surveillance.

The Roscongress Foundation manages the events of Russia’s BRICS Chairship.