Russian public health watchdog, Burundian ministry to set up joint infections research center

MOSCOW. July 28 (Interfax) - A Russian-Burundian center for infectious disease research and prevention will be set up in Bujumbura, in line with an agreement signed during negotiations between head of the Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare Anna Popova and Burundian Minister of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS Sylvie Nzeyimana.

"The establishment of a joint Russian-Burundian center for infectious disease research and prevention in Bujumbura, in line with documents signed based on the outcomes of the negotiations, will be an important stage of cooperation," the federal service told journalists on Friday.

The parties also discussed further steps to promote cooperation in maintaining the population's sanitary and epidemiological wellbeing, responses to threats of infection, bolstering human resources, and developing laboratory infrastructure in Burundi.

The Russian public health watchdog and the Burundian Health Ministry also signed a joint action plan during the second Russia-Africa summit to conduct joint research, train personnel, and provide technical support to Burundi.