On October 19-24, 2026, a delegation of scientists from the Institute – Vladimir Dedkov, Deputy Director for Researc, Anna Dolgova, Head, Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Pathogenic Microorganism, Alyona Khalilova and Tamara Ginevskaya, Junior Research Fellows, Laboratory of Molecular-Genetic Monitoring – paid a working visit to the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; and the International Centre for Medical Research of Franceville (CIRMF), Gabonese Republic. The agenda focused on fostering scientific and technical cooperation with relevant research institutions in both nations, identifying prospects for joint research on infectious diseases, and expanding collaboration in the field of laboratory diagnostics.
During the visit to AHRI, discussions centered on continuing cooperation under an existing Memorandum, exploring the institute’s research infrastructure, and assessing the feasibility of training local specialists in the use of Russian-made diagnostic test systems. A promising avenue for future collaboration involves conducting joint research on the molecular-genetic diagnosis of infectious diseases, as well as facilitating the exchange of scientific and methodological expertise and providing practical training for specialists.
During a working visit to CIRMF, the potential for developing collaboration in the study of naturally occurring and zoonotic viral infections was explored. A joint project focused on investigating lyssaviruses in bats in Gabon—and identifying antibodies to these viruses in other mammalian species — is of particular scientific interest. Pursuing this line of research could yield new insights into the genetic diversity and distribution of lyssaviruses within the natural ecosystems of Central Africa, while also broadening our understanding of their epidemiological significance.
A distinct area of work involved conducting a training session for CIRMF specialists on the use of diagnostic test systems developed by the St. Petersburg Pasteur Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology. Developing this aspect of cooperation is of interest in terms of expanding the potential application of domestically developed diagnostic tools and improving laboratory diagnostics for infectious diseases.
Thus, the work program for the mission covered issues related to the development of international scientific cooperation, the study of viral pathogens, the improvement of laboratory diagnostic methods, and the training of specialists.
Further engagement with AHRI and CIRMF is of interest for the implementation of joint research projects, the organization of scientific and methodological exchange, and the development of cooperation in ensuring sanitary and epidemiological well-being.
