Anna Popova: BRICS countries’ potential to tackle infectious diseases is extremely high

On 23-24 June, Moscow is hosting the international conference, Common Threats - Joint Actions: The Response of the BRICS Countries to Dangerous Infectious Diseases. Anna Popova, the Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, which has organised the conference, tells us about the development of collaborative efforts by BRICS nations against infectious diseases.

Ms Popova, what themes will be under discussion at the international conference, Common Threats - Joint Actions: The Response of the BRICS Countries to Dangerous Infectious Diseases?

Although the BRICS countries don’t have common borders, joint actions, collaborative efforts and exchange of experience are crucial factors in an effective and coordinated campaign against the mounting threat of infectious diseases.

That is why Russia, as the BRICS President, has launched an expert discussion on the most urgent issues in fighting infectious diseases – particularly, the Ebola epidemic, compliance with the International Health Regulations, the prospects for cooperation in the development of vaccines and diagnostic products, and the prevention and treatment of polio, flu, malaria, HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases that endanger public health, as well as economy and development.

What can you say about infectious diseases in the BRICS countries overall?

The BRICS countries are endangered by endemic diseases demanding sanitary protection. In Brazil, that is plague, yellow fever, dengue fever and malaria; in India, plague, cholera, malaria and dengue; in China, plague, bird flu (H5N1) and malaria. Dengue has also been a problem for some years now. South Africa is threatened by plague, malaria, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), West Nile fever, and Rift Valley fever; and Russia by plague, CCHF and West Nile fever. Plague and cholera remain the greatest danger, and the fight against HIV remains highly relevant. The number of persons affected by it was estimated at 35 million in 2013. Over 78 million people have contracted HIV since it first appeared, and 39 million have died of AIDS-related diseases.

At the same time, the joint potential of the BRICS countries in reducing the threat of infectious diseases is extremely high. Russia has unique experience in organising anti-epidemic efforts both at home and abroad. Our healthcare system is set up to prevent the occurrence and spread of diseases, including highly dangerous ones, despite the presence of natural foci of infections in our country, as well as conditions for the spread of cholera, haemorrhagic fevers and enterovirus infections.

Brazil and South Africa have vast experience with fighting HIV/AIDS, and have made great strides in improving access to prevention and treatment by reducing the cost of medicines and expanding their manufacture.

China and India are among the leaders of the pharmaceutical industry related to infectious disease prevention, diagnostics and treatment. China is dynamically developing biotechnology for infection research and pioneer diagnostic and preventive products.

What goals are the conference organisers setting for participants?

We are convinced that in today’s world only joint efforts can halt the spread of dangerous infections and reduce their destructive impact on people’s lives and health and also on economic development.

Exactly for this reason, during its presidency of BRICS in 2015, Russia intends to propose to its partners in the forum that they jointly and consistently develop cooperation in various fields in light of current challenges and threats facing the world.

This is the first BRICS conference dedicated exclusively to infectious diseases, which is meant to make it easier for our countries to share the significant experience we’ve accumulated in preventing and fighting dangerous infectious diseases. We are convinced that today’s event will lay the foundation for regular cooperation between relevant institutions of the BRICS countries, which, in turn, will systematise and direct activities related to cooperation in the field of disease control and prevention for the wellbeing of our populations. In this context, the guidelines for cooperation could include managing the risk of new infections emerging with a pandemic potential; preventing and eliminating infections that hinder development (AIDS, malaria, TB, forgotten tropical diseases); scientific cooperation aimed at better access to prevention and treatment of infections.

We cannot eradicate all infections but we can build a system of mutual aid to reduce risks – first of all for people’ health, and also for the economy, development, business and other aspects of life. Our task during our presidency is to use expert consensus to make decisions at the highest levels regarding BRICS’ possible contribution to the global effort to fight infectious diseases. It is extremely important for BRICS leaders to define the goals, objectives, joint efforts and the medium-term outlook, as well as to strengthen the unity of our countries in the fight against infectious diseases.

The topic of fighting infectious diseases during Russia’s presidency is timely and relevant both for BRICS as a whole and Russia in particular, as it will allow us to continue our policy of recent years of consistently advancing our leadership in solving global healthcare problems.

The importance of addressing the fight against infections during Russia’s presidency of BRICS is confirmed by the fact that the year of Russia’s presidency coincides with the deadline for achieving the Millennium Development Goals, four of which are either directly or indirectly related to fighting infectious diseases (Goals 4 and 5 are fighting infant and maternal mortality; Goal 6 is AIDS, malaria and other infections; Goal 7 is water and hygiene).

How many participants are expected to attend the conference? Which organisations will send representatives?

Invited to the international conference, Common Threats - Joint Actions: The Response of the BRICS Countries to Dangerous Infectious Diseases are roughly 200 representatives of agencies responsible for sanitary and epidemiological safety and R&D organisations from BRICS countries, as well as leading Russian and foreign scientists involved in the prevention and fighting of infectious diseases. The conference participants include representatives of such specialised international organisations as the World Health Organisation, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, the World Bank, and Doctors Without Borders, which shows that there is considerable interest in BRICS’ role in these issues.

During the conference, participants will listen to reports and discuss sanitary and epidemiological safety in the context of current challenges and threats facing the BRICS countries. They will also evaluate the prospects of cooperation within BRICS to prevent and fight HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, malaria, haemorrhagic fever, and tropical diseases. Another important focus of the discussion will be the opportunity for greater cooperation among BRICS countries in developing immunobiological and diagnostic products and medications, and making them more accessible for residents of BRICS countries.

A special panel discussion will be devoted to the role of BRICS in the post-2015 development agenda. This year is the target date for achieving the Millennium Development Goals. More and more people are coming to realise that the post-2015 healthcare agenda should clearly demonstrate the links between health and other aspects of sustainable development. At the conference, representatives of the BRICS countries, the World Health Organisation, the World Bank, the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Russian Ministry of Finance will offer their views on new development goals beyond 2015 related to infectious diseases, and will discuss the role of BRICS and other development partners in establishing and implementing new development ideas.

Overall, the conference is aimed at providing the basis for boosting cooperation in the fight against infectious diseases among related agencies in the BRICS countries.