By Amber Cashwell
The BRICS missed an opportunity during the 5th BRICS Summit last week to address neglected tropical diseases―a group of diseases that undermine economic growth and socio-economic development across the world. Even though NTDs did not make it into the discussions, BRICS leaders recognized the importance of regional integration for Africa’s sustainable growth, development and poverty eradication, which could go a long way towards improving health in African countries.
During the Summit, a new BRICS Development Bank was at the top of the agenda, which will fund infrastructure projects both in member nations and in other emerging and developing countries. In keeping with the summit’s theme “BRICS and Africa-Partnership for Integration and Industrialization,” President Jacob Zuma also hosted a retreat with key African leaders to explore ways to promote regional integration for Africa’s sustainable development.
The BRICS―Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa―make up 21 percent of global GDP, and it is expected that their trade in Africa will increase more than three-fold over the next few years, from $150 billion in 2010 to $530 billion in 2015.
Last month, the Global Network published the BRICS call to action, urging BRICS countries to include NTDs in its broader development and economic initiatives. If the BRICS pool resources, expertise and influence to galvanize action at the global level, they can enhance their development commitments to Africa and beyond. They can also give neglected people who have been trapped in a cycle of poverty a real chance at achieving greater social and economic advancement.
A BRICS interim meeting during the upcoming G20 Summit in September offers another opportunity to fold NTD elimination into current development efforts.