BRICS countries endorse Iran’s proposal to shift focus to children in fight against NCDs
Iran’s Deputy Health Minister, Alireza Raisi, said Friday that member countries of the BRICS bloc have welcomed his country’s proposal to shift focus from adults to children in combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Raisi, who attended the 14th Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Health in Moscow, said that Iran proposed changing the approach to NCDs, which are currently focused on adults, to include children, IRNA wrote.
He noted that the changing lifestyle worldwide, including obesity, physical inactivity, and air pollution, has put children’s health at greater risk.
Raisi said that the proposal was well-received by BRICS member countries, particularly Russia, India, and China, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO).
He added that Iran will present a detailed proposal at the next BRICS meeting in Brazil to discuss the issue further.
During his visit to Russia, Raisi also signed a memorandum of understanding on scientific cooperation in the fields of prevention, treatment, and medicine.
He said that Iran has experience in combating tuberculosis, which is a major concern in Russia, and can share its expertise.
Raisi also visited a Russian health center and was impressed by the successful use of artificial intelligence, which he said could be replicated in Iran given the country’s good infrastructure.
He emphasized the importance of BRICS cooperation in countering sanctions, noting that the bloc represents 40% of the world’s population.
Raisi also highlighted the potential for Iranian companies to invest in Russia’s pharmaceutical and medical equipment sectors.
The 14th Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Health was held in Moscow on October 7 and 11.