U.S., Russia reach health accord

MOSCOW, July 6 (UPI) -- Among the agreements signed by U.S. and Russian leaders in Moscow Monday was a document on cooperation in public health and medical sciences.

The memorandum of understanding sets up a framework for cooperation between government and scientific research institutions in several areas, the Obama administration said in a fact sheet.

The cooperative arrangement includes work in:

-- Infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and pandemic preparedness and response.

-- Chronic and non-communicable diseases, including diagnosis, surveillance, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.

-- Promoting healthy lifestyles, including tobacco and alcohol consumption reduction, drug abuse prevention, and trying to lower deaths from highway accidents.

-- Maternal and child health protection; including promoting best practices in maternal and child health.

-- Improving global health, including facilitating international cooperation on the surveillance and monitoring of infectious diseases, and fortifying health systems in developing countries.