“We reaffirm our absolute conviction that only cooperation and international solidarity can save humanity,” stated José Angel Portal Miranda, during the 73rd World Health Assembly, held virtually November 10.

He insisted emphatically, “COVID-19 has caused an unimaginable crisis in the world and no country or sector has escaped it,” citing the modest internationalist work of the Henry Reeve Medical Contingent as an example of how much could be done when national efforts are shared.

He stressed that the Contingent alone has sent 53 brigades of health professionals to help combat the disease in 39 countries, in addition to Cuban personnel already working in 58 nations.

Portal Miranda also noted the importance of designing national plans that are comprehensive and inter-sectorial, as Cuban authorities did, even before the first cases were reported.

“The capacity in terms of infrastructure, organization and human capital of our public health system has been decisive, with its unique characteristics as a free system, accessible to 100% of the population, based on primary health care and with the family doctor and nurse as its main strength; along with the use of products, equipment and novel inputs from the Cuban medical-pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry,” he stated.

The Minister added that this strategy has made possible the recovery of 91.3% of COVID-10 patients here, and prevented deaths among children and adolescents.

He pointed out that everything Cuba has done to confront the pandemic, both within the nation and with its international solidarity, has been conducted under the difficult conditions created by the U.S. government imposed blockade, and this country’s constant attempts to discredit and disrupt our medical cooperation around the world.

(Taken fron Granma)

During the first three days of a high level meeting on the issue, Minister of Public Health, and Political Bureau member, Roberto Morales Ojeda, stated that the country is more than willing to help others, to share Cuba’s experience and accomplishments.

He renewed Cuba’s commitment to supporting worldwide, regional, and national responses to HIV/AIDS, stating that only integration, solidarity and cooperation can produce sustainable results, and confront common challenges in a globalized, unequal world.

“Health must take priority over any other material, technological or intellectual property consideration (…). It is not acceptable that cost or other selfish considerations limit universal access to treatment for persons with HIV/AIDS,” he emphasized.

Morales stated the country’s position regarding the adoption of a UN resolution committing UN member countries to undertake efforts to eliminate the disease by 2030, saying that Cuba joins the consensus in favor of such a document, but notes that concerns about persistent problems and challenges are not reflected with adequate clarity or emphasis in the draft.

Morales insisted that no national or international legislation, agreement, or policy should limit universal access to the best treatment available for human beings with the virus, which has led to the deaths of more than 34 million since 1981, and with which some 37 million are currently living.

Cuba’s Minister of Public Health emphasized the need for international cooperation in the struggle against HIV/AIDS; the availability of resources; and unconditional transfer of technology – under the leadership of the World Health Organization and the UN program.

(PL)