Ethiopia, Russia sign cooperation agreement in health to boost epidemic readiness

Addis Ababa, April 23, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in the health sector, with a focus on hygiene, epidemic prevention, and rapid emergency response.

The agreement was signed by Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba and Anna Y. Popova, Head of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, during the opening of the first Russian-African Sanitation and Emergency Rapid Response Team joint training seminar in Addis Ababa.

The MoU aims to enhance health security in both nations through early disease detection, coordinated prevention strategies, and fast response to public health threats.

The three-day seminar has brought together public health experts from 15 African countries, including Ethiopia, to build regional capacity in sanitation, laboratory diagnostics, and emergency health services.

As part of the cooperation, Russia handed over a state-of-the-art mobile laboratory to Ethiopia, capable of diagnosing more than 300 diseases. Dr. Mekdes praised the move, saying it would support national and regional epidemic preparedness.

“This facility will not only serve Ethiopia, but also support our neighbors. It represents a shift from aid to partnership—one that builds resilience and self-reliance,” she said.

The agreement is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Ethiopia’s health system, increase the number of laboratories nationwide, and deepen cooperation with international partners in the fight against public health crises.