The office has 19 employees, eight of whom are Russian citizens. It conducts work on a number of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases.
The decision to move the office has been taken in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Swedish government has been a driving force in the decision. A Russian response cannot be ruled out.
"They probably won't appreciate this decision, but that's not the important thing here. When Russia behaves as they do, we cannot have such an important activity there, says Minister for Development Aid Johan Forssell (M).
The practical details of the move are not clear, but the plan is for the office to be closed by next year.
- The government will contribute to the financing of the new office through funds from the development assistance budget, says Johan Forssell to SVT News.
The decision has been taken within the framework of the UN cooperation WHO Euro. Forty countries voted in favour of the proposal and four voted against; Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus and Tajikistan. Five countries abstained and one was absent.