On April 17-19, 2024, the first Russian-African International Conference on combating Infectious Diseases “Towards a sustainable response to emerging infectious diseases in Africa” was held in Kampala at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uganda for the purpose of international experience exchange in the field of combating modern biological threats.
Dr. Vladimir Dedkov, Deputy Director for research and Dr. Maria Makarova, Head of the Laboratory of Intestinal Infections as well as scientists and experts from Russia and 12 African countries (Burkina Faso, the Republic of Burundi, the Republic of Guinea, the Republic of Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Mozambique, Republic of Namibia, Republic of Niger, Republic of Uganda, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia) took part at the Conference. During the conference, scientists from the Institute presented a report “Results and prospects for cooperation between the St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute and African countries”, participated in the plenary sessions “Strategic directions for the development of science and technology to combat biological threats in African countries” and “Modern threats and challenges to biological security. Response experience”, in panel discussions “Early detection and rapid response to infectious diseases. Prospects for cooperation”, as well as in the round tables activities. Issues related to the spread of Ebola fever, cholera, HIV, tuberculosis, COVID-19 and other infections were discussed.
Conference Resolution was adopted upon the results summary. Based on the positive results of Russian-African cooperation in the field of biosafety, it was proposed to adopt such a meeting format and hold them every 2 years.
