MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Moscow and African countries intend to deepen their health partnership and conduct joint exercises to combat outbreaks of infections, President Vladimir Putin said at a press conference after the Russia-Africa summit.

"I want to emphasize that we also took into account everything said by our African friends about the importance of cooperation with Russia in areas such as healthcare and epidemic control," he said. "We will increase the supply of effective medicines, transfer mobile laboratories, and conduct joint exercises to respond to outbreaks of infections.

"I will mention, in particular, the decision taken to extend the Russian program of assistance to African countries to combat infections until 2029."