Ethiopia and Russia have signed a comprehensive agreement to significantly strengthen Ethiopia's capacity to respond to health emergencies and crises. The partnership was highlighted amidst a joint rapid response exercise taking place in Addis Ababa.
The agreement, signed by Ethiopian Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba and Head of Russia's Rospotrebnadzor (Russia’s public health agency of the Russian Federation), Yu. Popova, includes the provision of a state-of-the-art mobile laboratory and specialized training for Ethiopian healthcare professionals. Dr. Mekdes emphasized the mobile lab's potential to revolutionize rapid testing and response, particularly in remote areas, improving prevention and saving lives. The training aims to build long-term capacity and foster self-sufficiency in managing health crises.
The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) Director, Mesay Hailu, lauded the partnership, stating it boosts Ethiopia's epidemic readiness. He stressed the vital importance of mobile laboratory training for quick and effective response to dangerous infectious diseases.
Reinforcing the collaboration, a three-day Russian-African rapid response exercise is underway in Addis Ababa from April 23-25, organized by Russia and Ethiopia's Health Ministry. The exercise involves approximately 100 participants from 15 African countries, featuring demonstrations of Russian mobile laboratories and practical training to improve responses to infectious disease outbreaks.
Both nations highlighted the importance of international cooperation against global health threats and noted the partnership builds on historical ties and supports Ethiopia's broader international engagement, including BRICS aspirations.