Russia conducts large-scale program to help Africa fight epidemics
Moscow, Apr 23 (UNI) Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday welcomed the participants of the first Russian-African international exercises of rapid response teams for sanitary and epidemiological emergencies, noting that Russia is conducting a large-scale program to assist Africa in combating epidemics.
The exercise is taking place from April 23-25 in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.
"Following the results of the second Russia-Africa Summit, we are implementing a large-scale program to help African friends in the fight against epidemics, including those with pandemic potential," Putin said in a telegram published by the Kremlin.
In less than two years, the program has trained more than 150 African specialists, conducted joint research on dozens of dangerous infections, and dispatched six mobile laboratories to African countries, the Russian leader added.
Sanitary and epidemiological services from Russia and 15 African countries, as well as representatives of various international and regional organizations, are taking part in the exercises, the telegram said. The event raises cooperation to a new level and provides an excellent opportunity to exchange professional experience, practice the joint use of specialized equipment and improve methods of responding to outbreaks of dangerous communicable diseases, Putin added.
"I am confident that the exercise will be very useful for all the services involved and will make it possible to improve their readiness to protect people's health and well-being. I sincerely wish you success and all the best," Putin said.
The second Russia-Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum took place in the Russian city of St. Petersburg from July 27–28, 2023.
UNI SPUTNIK GNK
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Young Edge: Why vaping or e-cigarettes continue to lure Pune young adults despite risks
Written by Siddhi Pati, Despite being banned, vapes are popular among young adults in Pune as many are under the assumption that e-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes, while others are simply drawn to the trend under peer influence. Vaping or electronic cigarettes are banned under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (2019). A Kharadi resident, who did not want to be named, said he has several friends addicted to vaping. He added that most people don't think it is harming their health until they start feeling symptoms like throat irritation or a heaviness in their voice. 'Vapes are easy to access, even though they're illegal, since many big smoke shops continue to sell them. I have seen these shops import vapes and e-cigarettes from African, South Asian, and especially Gulf countries,' he said. A student from Viman Nagar shared that there is a perception that smoking is old and unhealthy. 'Even if vaping isn't completely healthy, it feels like a better option, since it also causes less discomfort.' Many users have said that youngsters try out vaping to seek new experiences and later on at least become active tobacco smokers. A student from Kothrud admitted, 'I go to house parties, and even if I don't want to use the vape, it just gets passed around. And I end up smoking it.' A vaping addict pointed out the emotional pressure involved in the process. 'I got into it under peer pressure, and now it has gotten very difficult to quit. And unlike cigarettes, vapes have a variety. So, it's not the feeling of smoking and the nicotine hit. It's also the fact that there is so much more to try. I can carry them everywhere I go. I just need to charge, and it's ready,' she said. Another student from Lohegaon highlighted how easy it is to get hooked, 'I think it's the kick of nicotine that makes vapes so addictive. They are very easily available in every other smoke shop for Rs 2,000–Rs 3,000.' According to psychologists, vapes and e-cigarettes contain addictive chemicals that make quitting hard. 'Many young adults use vaping as a coping mechanism to deal with difficult emotions. Over time, it becomes a habit. They vape when bored, sad, or anxious. Vapes and e-cigarettes are also marketed as sleek and sophisticated, adding to the factor of increased peer-pressure among young adults, and driving them to use these devices,' explained Shreyash Chhajed, clinical psychologist. Health professionals have warned against the common misconception that vaping is a safe alternative. 'They deliver nicotine, which raises heart rate and blood pressure. E-cigarettes also release substances like formaldehyde and TSNAs, which can increase cancer risk. For the lungs, vaping can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and even conditions like EVALI and 'popcorn lung,' said Dr Vivek Gaikwad, Pune-based cardiologist. The fact that the combination of easy access, peer influence, emotional dependence, and lack of awareness continues to fuel this growing trend is a matter of concern among health experts. Vaping may feel safer than smoking, but the risks are real and rising, they said. (Siddhi Patil is an intern with The Indian Express)
United News of India
4 hours ago
- United News of India
Covid cases cross 7K mark, health experts call for targeted vigilance
New Delhi, June 11 (UNI) India is witnessing a renewed rise in Covid-19 cases with the active caseload increasing to 7,121, following the detection of 306 new infections within the past 24 hours, according to data released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday. During the same period, six fatalities linked to the virus were also reported, raising concerns over emerging variants and regional outbreaks. Of the reported deaths, three occurred in Kerala, two in Karnataka, and one in Maharashtra. Health authorities confirmed that one of the deceased was a 43-year-old male with a compromised immune system, while the others were elderly individuals with a history of chronic and respiratory illnesses, underscoring the heightened vulnerability of at-risk populations. The current increase in cases is being attributed to the circulation of newly emerging variants, notably LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and the recently identified NB.1.8.1 subvariant. While these variants are still under investigation, early trends suggest increased transmissibility, although hospitalisation rates remain relatively low at this stage. Among the states, Kerala continues to report the highest number of active Covid-19 cases, with a total of 2,223 patients currently undergoing treatment. The state also recorded the most new infections in the past 24 hours, logging 170 fresh cases. Gujarat followed with 114 new infections, pushing its active tally to 1,223, while Delhi's active cases rose to 757, indicating a wider geographical spread of the virus. The government authorities as well as health experts have reiterated the importance of maintaining Covid-appropriate behaviour, including wearing masks, frequent hand washing, and avoiding crowded indoor spaces, particularly in areas experiencing a rise in cases. Furthermore, with seasonal viral fevers also circulating, healthcare professionals stressed the need to differentiate Covid-19 from other infections.
United News of India
8 hours ago
- United News of India
Servier India launches ‘Ivosidenib' Tibsovo
Kochi, Jun 10 (UNI) Servier India, a subsidiary of the leading French pharmaceutical Servier Group, has announced the launch of Ivosidenib (Tibsovo®), an oral targeted therapy approved in the management of cancer patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Cholangiocarcinoma, with an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) mutation. Servier India received the approval on 14th May 2025, from Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for the import, sale, and distribution of the medication. Acute myeloid leukemia is a challenging hematological malignancy. Studies indicate that only about 30–40 percent of AML patients in India receive adequate treatment, with high mortality rates due to rapid disease progression and infections. Cholangiocarcinomas (CCA) are rare tumours originating from the bile duct. Due to their asymptomatic nature, they are usually diagnosed when the disease is advanced. The announcement marks a significant advancement in the management of the mentioned rare and difficult-to-treat cancers in India, addressing a critical unmet medical need. Aurélien Breton, Managing Director, Servier India, said, 'Our focus is to advance oncology care by bringing innovative, precision medicines to patients who need them the most." "By prioritizing access and working to make treatment options affordable to patients, we are dedicated to bridging critical gaps in cancer care across the country. This launch will support healthcare providers with targeted treatment options and ultimately improve survival outcomes and quality of life for patients throughout India.' IDH1 mutation occurs in approximately 7–14 percent of AML patients in India, making targeted mechanisms especially relevant for this subset. 'This therapy represents a significant therapeutic option in the treatment of AML and Cholangiocarcinoma. For healthcare professionals, this precision therapy offers a new, effective option that can improve patient outcomes where traditional treatments have limited success. It highlights the benefits of targeted therapy and caliber of innovation in enhancing lives and advancing cancer care in India.', highlighted Dr. Pranav Sopory, Medical and Patient Affairs Director, Servier India. By introducing these advanced therapies, Servier India reaffirms its commitment to advancing innovative cancer treatments that improve clinical outcomes and enhance the quality of life of patient. UNI DS BD
