Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has been hospitalized in Shanghai due to an ear inflammation that affects balance.
Her team confirmed that she is responding well to treatment and is expected to be discharged within a few days. Despite her condition, she has continued working while receiving medical care.
Rousseff, 77, has been leading the New Development Bank (NDB) since her appointment in 2023 by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The bank, headquartered in Shanghai, was founded by BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—to finance development projects in emerging economies.
Rousseff made history as Brazil’s first female president, taking office in 2010 after being chosen as a successor by Lula. She was re-elected but faced impeachment in 2016 over budgetary violations. After years away from politics, Lula brought her back to public service by appointing her as NDB president.
This year, Brazil holds the rotating BRICS presidency and will host a major summit in Rio de Janeiro in July. The alliance, which started in 2009 with five founding nations, has grown significantly, recently welcoming countries such as Iran, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.
Rousseff’s hospitalization comes at a crucial time for BRICS leadership, but officials remain optimistic about her recovery and return to work soon.