On April 22-24, 2026, Dr. Vladimir Dedkov, Deputy Director for Research, and Dr. Anna Dolgova, Head, Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Pathogenic Microorganisms, participated in the 2nd Russian-African International Conference on Infectious Disease Control, held in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Population of the Republic of Congo in Brazzaville. They also paid a working visit to the National Laboratory of Public Health (LNSP).
The Conference included three plenary sessions on topics such as "Strategic Directions for the Development of Science and Technology, Organizing International Cooperation to Counter Biological Threats," "Modern Biological Security Threats and Responses," "Rapid Response to Sanitary and Epidemiological Emergencies," a roundtable discussion on "Russian Developments in Biological Security for Partner Countries," and a demonstration of a mobile laboratory.
Scientists and specialists 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, the Republic of Madagascar, the Republic of Malawi, the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of Namibia, the Republic of Niger, the Republic of Uganda, and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia) exchanged professional experience in the field of providing for and countering modern biological threats.
Issues related to the spread of monkeypox, diphtheria, cholera, tuberculosis, malaria, acute intestinal infections, and other infections were discussed.
The Russian side presented information on developments in the field of biosecurity for African countries. It was noted that cooperation between Russia and African countries has historically been based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and consideration of national interests.
During the visit, a memorandum of intent was signed to establish a Russian-Congolese Center for Epidemiology and Infection Prevention.
