WE SEE THE INTEREST OF AFRICAN PARTNERS IN RUSSIAN TECHNOLOGIES AND ADVANCED AREAS

On November 10, the first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum concluded at the Sirius University in Sochi. The event brought together experts from Algeria, Burkina Faso, Libya, Mauritania, Madagascar, Mali, Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, and other African countries to discuss diverse and important topics related to Russia-Africa relations.

Healthcare became one of the key areas for strengthening collaboration. The delegation of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation was led by Deputy Minister Evgeny Kamkin. The Chief Oncologist of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Kaprin, spoke about prospects for expanding partnerships in oncology care.

Andrey Dmitrievich highlighted several promising areas for collaboration, including the exchange of expertise in cancer registration, medical tourism, and telemedicine consultations. Specialist training was also emphasized, particularly in innovative surgical techniques and radiotherapy methods.

He noted that currently, five specialists from African countries are already undergoing residency training at the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. The development of medical tourism was also a priority, as the centre has the capabilities to treat international patients and provide remote telemedicine consultations for complex cases.

Andrey Kaprin also stressed the importance of nuclear medicine in Russia-Africa relations: “African nations are actively participating in BRICS initiatives to develop nuclear medicine, and we are ready for comprehensive cooperation in this field,” he said.

Additionally, discussions focused on combating HIV/AIDS, a pressing issue in Africa. The General Director shared the unique experience of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre in treating oncology patients with concurrent HIV infections:

“Our centre is the only one in Russia with a dedicated department for such patients, operating since 2018. Patients receive comprehensive treatment, including drug therapy and bone structure transplants. We regularly host scientific conferences and symposia with international participation and, of course, extend invitations to you as well.”

Summing up the event, Andrey Kaprin stated: “We see that our African colleagues are showing interest in our work, technologies, and achievements. We have already received several requests and proposals for continued collaboration and knowledge exchange, and we look forward to developing these partnerships further.”