In an increasingly multipolar world, nations are forging varied partnerships across all sectors. Notably, major economic powers are demonstrating a keen interest in collaborating with countries in the Global South, raising questions about mutual benefit versus underlying strategic objectives. Africa has emerged as a key arena where nations of the Global North are actively pursuing collaborations in diverse fields.
Recent years have witnessed a growing presence of countries like Russia and China on the continent, particularly in the construction sector, where Beijing has taken a prominent role.
Russia is also expanding its engagement with African nations across multiple sectors. Leveraging its expertise, Moscow is actively pursuing collaborations in nuclear energy and other strategic areas. Another burgeoning aspect of the Africa-Russia relationship is in the health sector. This was recently highlighted by the first Russian-African international exercise on rapid response to sanitary and epidemiological emergencies, a three-day event that concluded yesterday in Addis Ababa.
Regarding the event a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, delivered by Dr. Anna Popova, head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being, emphasized Russia’s dedication to international cooperation against dangerous infectious diseases. He highlighted the on-going program supporting African nations in epidemic control, including the training of over 150 specialists, joint research on dangerous infections, and the delivery of six mobile laboratories to African countries within the past two years.
President Putin stated that the exercise in Ethiopia, involving rapid response teams from Russia and 15 African countries alongside international and regional organizations, elevates their cooperation to “a qualitatively new level.” He expressed confidence that the event would facilitate valuable experience exchange, the joint application of specialized equipment, and the refinement of methodologies for responding to outbreaks of dangerous infectious diseases, ultimately bolstering the preparedness to safeguard public health.
Speaking on behalf of the AUC Chairperson, Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, the AUC Deputy Chairperson, underscored the timeliness and importance of the exercise. “This meeting…marks an important milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen health emergency preparedness and response in the continent,” she stated.
She lauded the Russian Federation’s “meaningful contribution,” particularly through the Russia Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being, emphasizing the spirit of “true partnership and solidarity” in supporting Africa’s health priorities.
She stressed the lessons learned from recent health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Marburg outbreaks, which have underscored the necessity for enhanced intra-African coordination and robust partnerships.
She reaffirmed the AUC’s commitment to strengthening pandemic preparedness and building resilient health systems, aligning these efforts with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The exercise was also flanked by the signing Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Russia has formalized an agreement to bolster their collaboration in the health sector, focusing on emergency preparedness and response.
The MoU was signed by Ethiopian Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba and by Dr. Anna Popova, head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being.
The agreement is specifically designed to enhance cooperation between the two nations in addressing health emergencies. It aims to improve their rapid response capabilities for health and hygiene crises, particularly during epidemics and other health disasters.
During the signing, Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba underscored the critical role of international partnerships in the health domain. She stated that the agreement is vital for facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise, which is essential for the effective management of health emergencies.
Echoing this sentiment, Anna Popova noted that the cooperation will empower both countries to better prepare for potential health threats and safeguard the well-being of their populations.
The collaboration outlined in the memorandum includes provisions for information sharing, joint training initiatives, and the exchange of best practices. These activities are intended to strengthen each country’s ability to effectively respond to various health threats.
According to the Ministry of Health, this agreement marks a significant step forward in the growing relationship between Ethiopia and Russia within the health sector.
Moreover during the opening ceremony of the exercise Dr. Mekdes Daba emphasized that building a resilient health system is not merely a policy but an “imperative” for Ethiopia.
She highlighted the transnational nature of pathogens and the necessity for collaborative efforts that transcend borders. She outlined Ethiopia’s national priorities in strengthening health security, including advancing local manufacturing of medical supplies, enhancing the capacity of the health workforce, establishing sustainable health financing, and fortifying emergency response mechanisms.
Mekdes proudly acknowledged the historical depth of the Ethiopian-Russian partnership, referencing centuries of cultural and religious ties, culminating in the formal diplomatic relations established in 1898 and the continued support in public health and capacity building. She lauded the tangible impacts of this partnership, particularly in strengthening laboratory systems and medical commodity production, which proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Afework Kassu, the General Director of the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHMRI), on his part provided a historical context for the burgeoning relationship between Ethiopia and Russia, tracing it back over a century to the arrival of a Russian medical team in 1896, following the Battle of Adwa. He highlighted the establishment of the Dejazmach Balcha Hospital by the Russian Red Cross in 1947 as a cornerstone of medical cooperation.
He further elaborated on the multifaceted cooperation, spanning education, science, and technologies, noting that over 23,000 Ethiopian students have pursued higher education in Russia since the Soviet era. He also pointed to on-going collaborations in scientific research, including the long-standing Joint Ethiopian-Russian Biological Expedition, and the potential for advancements through partnerships in nuclear science and technology.
He emphasized the significance of Ethiopia’s recent inclusion in BRICS, fostering new avenues for collaboration in health research and public health initiatives. He posed critical questions for the participants, urging reflection on ensuring research benefits the most vulnerable, translating innovations into practical solutions, equipping laboratories for health system resilience, and sustaining effective cooperation.
This first Russian-African Exercise of Rapid Response Teams signifies a powerful commitment to proactive health security measures. By combining Russia’s technical expertise with Africa’s on-the-ground experience and leadership, this partnership promises to enhance the continent’s ability to effectively prepare for and respond to future health emergencies, ultimately safeguarding the well-being of millions. The emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility resonated throughout the speeches, setting a strong foundation for a sustained and impactful alliance in the realm of public health.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 26 APRIL 2025
