• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on India-Africa Health Sciences Cooperation signed between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and African Union.
• In order to carry forward the strategic vision of India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) III through a structured and concrete partnership in the health sector, MEA partnered with Indian Council of Medical Research and had jointly organized the First India-Africa Health Sciences Meet in 2016 in New Delhi.
• ICMR had taken up the mandate to initiate and strengthen the cooperation in health sector in a structured and organized manner by establishing an India-Africa Health Sciences Collaborative Platform (IAHSP). The signed MoU aims to formalise this partnership by establishing a framework.
• The MoU will pave the way for the cooperation in the areas of research and development, capacity building, health services, pharmaceutical trade and manufacturing capabilities for drugs and diagnostics. MEA has offered full support for implementation of the MoU.
• India and the African Union have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an India-Africa health sciences collaborative platform.

About African Union:

• The AU emerged from the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) which was established in 1963 with a charter signed by 32 countries in Addis Ababa.
• The OAU was considered a bit of an “old dictator’s club” by many in Africa and was criticised for not acting against coup plotters.
• The AU replaced the OAU in 2002 with 51 members and said it was going to work for closer political integration among African countries. It has set about distancing itself from the OAU by often suspending coup leaders. Currently it has total member strength of 55 members.

Objectives:

• To achieve greater unity, cohesion and solidarity between the African countries and African nations.
• To defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States.
• To accelerate the political and social-economic integration of the continent.
• To promote and defend African common positions on issues of interest to the continent and its peoples.
• To encourage international cooperation, taking due account of the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• To promote peace, security, and stability on the continent.
• To promote democratic principles and institutions, popular participation and good governance.
• To promote and protect human and peoples' rights in accordance with the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and other relevant human rights instruments.
• To establish the necessary conditions which enable the continent to play its rightful role in the global economy and in international negotiations.
• To promote sustainable development at the economic, social and cultural levels as well as the integration of African economies.