Addis Ababa: Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the commencement of the first Russian-African international exercises focusing on rapid response to sanitary and epidemiological emergencies. This initiative is part of a comprehensive program by Russia to provide support to Africa in the fight against epidemics.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the exercises are scheduled from April 23-25 and are being held in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. President Putin highlighted that this effort stems from the outcomes of the second Russia-Africa Summit, aiming to aid African nations in combating epidemics, including those with pandemic potential.
In the past two years, the program has facilitated the training of over 150 African specialists. It has also led to joint research initiatives on numerous dangerous infections and has seen the deployment of six mobile laboratories to various African nations. This was detailed in a telegram from Putin, published by the Kremlin.
The exercises see participation from sanitary and epidemiological services of Russia and 15 African countries, along with representatives from various international and regional organizations. The event represents a significant step in cooperation, offering a platform for exchanging professional experience, utilizing specialized equipment jointly, and enhancing response methods to outbreaks of communicable diseases.
President Putin expressed his confidence in the utility of the exercises for all involved services, emphasizing the importance of improving readiness to protect public health. He extended his best wishes for the success of the event.
The second Russia-Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum, which laid the groundwork for this initiative, was held in St. Petersburg, Russia, from July 27-28, 2023.