The conference was in October, discussions on affordable and all-access health services, breastfeeding, TB, human milk bank etc.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey informed the Member States about the status of breastfeeding newborns in India and the Human Milk Bank at the 9th BRICS Health Ministers Conference held in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. He said that India is continuously doing better. The public awareness campaign on breastfeeding has had a rapid impact. The rate of breastfeeding has increased rapidly in India. India’s goal is to increase breastfeeding rate by 2025 and bring it to more than 70 percent. There is a regular campaign on this at the ministry level. So that the newborn can become aware of breastfeeding.

Target to increase annual neonatal mortality to 12/1000
Union Minister of State for Health Shri Choubey said that under the goals of continuous development, India has a target to reduce annual neonatal mortality from 23/1000 to 12/1000 per year. Breastfeeding can contribute significantly to this. Early awareness of breastfeeding within one hour of birth can prevent neonatal mortality. India is making continuous efforts towards this. Concrete steps have also been taken keeping the human milk bank in mind. Maternal mortality with infant has also been reduced. He said that India recognizes the importance of access to human milk especially during the first six months of life to ensure adequate nutrition. On this side, human milk bank is an important system. Therefore every effort is being made to promote, protect and support it, so that hunger and malnutrition can be reduced for the child population. A better breastfeeding environment should also be created for all mothers at home, outside the home and at work. Keeping this in mind, work is being done.

Union Minister of State for Health Shri Choubey said that under the goals of continuous development, India has a target to reduce annual neonatal mortality from 23/1000 to 12/1000 per year. Breastfeeding can contribute significantly to this. Early awareness of breastfeeding within one hour of birth can prevent neonatal mortality. India is making continuous efforts towards this. Concrete steps have also been taken keeping the human milk bank in mind. Maternal mortality with infant has also been reduced. He said that India recognizes the importance of access to human milk especially during the first six months of life to ensure adequate nutrition. On this side, human milk bank is an important system. Therefore every effort is being made to promote, protect and support it, so that hunger and malnutrition can be reduced for the child population. A better breastfeeding environment should also be created for all mothers at home, outside the home and at work. Keeping this in mind, work is being done.

Made aware of affordable medicines and all accessible health services:- Union Minister of State for Health Shri Choubey also apprised the member countries about the steps taken by the Government of India regarding affordable medicines. He said that the main focus has been on life saving medicines and better health services under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Jan Aushadhi and Ayushman Bharat Yojana is an important step. Other BRICS member countries China, Brazil, Russia and South Africa also praised India’s efforts. The Union Health Minister also apprised the campaign being taken to make India TB free. He said that where the target for 2030 TB free has been set all over the world. At the same time, by 2025, all are working towards a TB-free country in India.

Given tips to stay healthy by practicing yoga:-
Union Minister of State for Health Shri Choubey introduced yoga to the people attending the conference. He informed everyone about the importance of yoga. Information about Surya Namaskar and daily postures etc.