The problems of infectious diseases through the prism of the Saint Petersburg Summit of Eight

In 2006, the Russian Federation first presided in the Group of Eight. Based on its experience in controlling infections, Russia proposed the topic of combating infectious diseases to be discussed by the leaders of the Eight as one of priorities due to the fact that the Russian Federation had made a notable advance and that there were serious problems in this field. That year changes were made in the Federal Law on Immunoprophylaxis of Infectious Diseases as to the inclusion of the population's immunization against influenza into the national calendar of vaccinations. Of particular value is the implementation of the Priority National Health Project involving additional immunization of the population, primarily children, against hepatitis B virus (HBV), rubella, influenza, and poliomyelitis. This year within the framework of the priority national project a total of 4.2 billion roubles are assigned for the purchase of vaccines against HBV for 10 million children and teenagers, those against rubella for 5 million children, and inactivated poliomyelitis vaccines for 159 thousand children, and influenza vaccines for 22 million subjects, including preschool children and 1st-to-4th-form pupils. While preparing for the Summit, Russia had come forth with a number of specific suggestions first of all to increase the possibilities of controlling infectious diseases in the region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Virtually all the initiatives of the Russian Federation were supported by its partners, as also reflected in the Summit's resulting document. Thus, a WHO Collaborating Influenza Center has been set up on the basis of the State Research Center VB "Vektor". Several research institutions will participate in the establishment of a regional coordinating center for HIV infection vaccine development for the countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, which will in its work collaborate with the Global Coordinating Center for HIV infection vaccine development, which was set up in 2004. On the Russian Federation's initiative, the Group of Eight intends to enhance the efficiency of international efforts to prevent and eliminate the consequences of natural disasters, including those, by using the rapid response teams. Special antiepidemic teams will be used to make a Russian contribution to this initiative. It should be noted that the financial participation of the Russian Federation in the implementation of international programs on infectious disease control. In effect the status of Russia as a recipient country is currently changing to that as a donor country.