The Centre for Microbiological Research and Treatment of Epidemic Diseases, built and equipped by RUSAL with the active assistance of the Russian Embassy in Conakry, was inaugurated on 17 January in Kindia, Guinea. The project comes as part of Russia's efforts in the campaign to fight the spread of the Ebola virus and strengthen the local health care system.

The Centre, intended for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious and especially dangerous diseases, is one of the most modern medical facilities to be used in the campaign against acute viral disease in West Africa. It includes infection and provisional hospitals, a mobile laboratory and a blood transfusion and plasma department. The Centre will specialise in the treatment of Ebola patients at the initial stage of its operations.

RUSAL invested more than $10 million in the construction of the Centre, making the Russian company – which has been operating in Guinea since 2002 and is one of the largest investors in the country – the world's only public company to implement such a large-scale project aimed at combating the spread of the Ebola virus.

Guinean President Alpha Condé attended the opening ceremony and expressed gratitude on behalf of the Guinean people to the leadership of Russia and RUSAL for their significant contribution to combating Ebola.

The Russian Federation will continue to provide comprehensive assistance to African partners to eradicate the Ebola epidemic.