RUSAL, a leading global aluminium producer, opens a second modern multifunctional medical center for the treatment of infectious diseases in Guinea. Within 21 days, RUSAL constructed the facility as part of the hospital within the Friguia bauxite-alumina complex, and is preparing to welcome COVID-19 positive patients.
Yakov Itskov, Director of RUSAL’s alumina business, said: “RUSAL strives not only to meet the highest standards in bauxite mining and alumina production in the country, but also to follow best practices to protect our employees, their families and residents of the region from epidemics and pandemics. In 2015, the Company did everything possible to help Guinea fight Ebola and the opening of the new Center is an important part of our contribution to strengthening the country’s health system.”
The action of RUSAL highlights the growing role of the aluminium industry as a supplier of critical material for medical equipment manufacturers and packaging, but also as a standard setter in responsible business practices aimed at improving medical services in countries of operation, which has become all the more important in the times of unprecedented public health challenges.
The first medical center constructed by RUSAL in 2015 during the Ebola outbreak has revealed indispensable with the current pandemic as it was among the first to receive patients with confirmed coronavirus infections. To date, more than 100 patients have been successfully treated there, and the same number continue to be treated.
During the Ebola crisis, the Centre for epidemic and microbiological research and treatment was among the most modern centers to combat viral diseases in West Africa. Its primary focus was to conduct research on infectious and highly dangerous diseases and their detection, treatment and prevention. In this end, RUSAL provided medicines, sanitary, hygiene items and logistical support. The benevolence of RUSAL was praised and the company received an award from the Russian Ministry of Health for the help the Company provided in preparation for and in the conduct of clinical trails in the Republic of Guinea for the treatment and prevention of the Ebola virus.
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To know more about RUSAL’s response to Ebola, watch the video below (more information can be found in this pdf):