Russia's RUSAL opens Ebola center in Guinea

Source: RUSAL

A center for microbiological research and medical treatment of patients infected with epidemic diseases was dedicated in a ceremony in Kindia (Guinea) on Saturday as part of Russia's effort to assist the fight against Ebola and to strengthen the local healthcare system, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

"The center is intended to diagnose, treat and prevent infectious and highly contagious diseases, and ranks among the most advanced medical centers of its kind to be set up in Western Africa," it said in a statement, posted on its website.

The center was built and equipped by the RUSAL company, a leading global aluminium producer, with active assistance from the Russian embassy in Conakry. Investment amounted to over $10 million. The Centre’s premises include an infection hospital, a provisional hospital, a mobile laboratory and a blood and plasma transfusion department with a laboratory. The Centre will initially serve as a hospital for the treatment of those infected with the Ebola virus.

"The Russian operator, that has been working in Guinea since 2002 and is one of the largest investors in the local economy, is the world's only public company to have implemented such a large-scale project to check the global spreading of the Ebola virus," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

Guinean President Alpha Conde, who attended the ceremony, thanked Russia and the RUSAL management on behalf of the Guinean people for their role in preventing Ebola.

"We are very grateful for the generous contribution of the Russian Federation, its President and UC RUSAL. It is a great honour to accept this valuable contribution, which will significantly help us in the fight against Ebola. On behalf of the people of Guinea, I offer my sincere thanks," stated President of Guinea, Alpha Conde at the opening ceremony.

"We strive to provide full support to the Republic of Guinea, not only in the fight against the Ebola virus, but also in activities related to strengthening their national health system as a whole in order to successfully prevent the spread of life-threatening diseases in future," commented Vladislav Soloviev, CEO of RUSAL.

"Russia will continue rendering all-round aid to its African partners in dealing with the Ebola epidemic," the Russian Foreign Ministry added.

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