Brazil’s Leadership in Vaccine Development and Global Health within the BRICS Framework
In order to strengthen international cooperation in global health, the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) operates as a strategic institution under the Brazilian government. The institution is responsible for coordinating three of the eight priority areas outlined in the BRICS Ministers of Health Declaration (June 2025), with a strong focus on vaccine research and development as well as scientific and technical cooperation to enhance solidarity among member states.
Fiocruz’s proposed initiatives include three main programs: the development of the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Center, the strengthening of the BRICS Public Health Research and Health Systems Network, and the organization of the BRICS National Institutes of Health Conference. The BRICS Vaccine R&D Center aims to increase regional and global capacity for innovation, production, and equitable access to vaccines. Established in South Africa in 2022, the center expanded in 2025 to include new members such as Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran.
Within the Public Health Research and Health Systems Network, shared challenges are identified and opportunities for bilateral and multilateral cooperation are explored, resulting in best practices and key health policy frameworks. Additionally, the BRICS National Institutes of Health Conference is designed to strengthen national health systems through enhanced scientific and technical collaboration.
Overall, Brazil’s initiatives play a significant role in reinforcing South–South cooperation and advancing a more equitable global health agenda, positioning BRICS as a strategic platform for innovation, production, and health policymaking at the international level.