Morales Ojeda reported that by the end of 2016, life expectancy at birth in Cuba was 78.45 years, while the country also has a immunization program which protects against 13 diseases, and is comprised of 11 vaccines; eight of which are produced on the island, providing for over 98% coverage.

He also noted that Cuba continues to maintain key indicators which, in 2015, saw the island become the first country in the world to officially eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.

“The foundations for the National Health System in Cuba were drawn up in 1959, the driving force behind which was the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz,” he stated.

The Cuban official also commented on the damage caused by the U.S. blockade to Cuba’s healthcare services, which in 2016 amounted to more than $87 million dollars.

Morales Ojeda once again condemned policies such as the “brain drain” which encourage Cuban professionals, above all those linked to the healthcare sector, to emigrate. Human capital is our most valuable resource. We have 493,000 healthcare sector workers and over 50,000 collaborators offering services in 63 countries, he added.

Among the challenges currently facing Cuba he noted the country’s rapidly ageing population, non-communicable chronic diseases, low birth rates, and the negative effects of climate change.

The UN 2030 Sustainable Development agenda provides the opportunity to develop better health systems and improve the population’s wellbeing in an unequal world, stated Dr. Roberto Morales Ojeda, noting that political will and collaboration are vital to such efforts.

(Granma)

Speaking to Prensa Latina during the country’s International Health Fair, this year dedicated to Fidel Castro, Leanes praised Cuba’s contribution to the well-being of other nations.

The event, which took place on Saturday, August 20 in the town of Lauca Ñ, Cha­pare province, in the department of Cochabamba, is part of a broad program of activities celebrating the leader of the Cuban Revolution’s 90th birthday and 191 years since Bolivia gained its independence.

Leanes, also the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) representative in Bolivia, described the Fair organized by the two countries as a success.

He also praised the island’s primary health care model and in particular its family doctor program, which has been implemented in Bolivia.
The WHO representative noted that the program should be a source of pride for all Cubans, emphasizing the daily efforts of doctors from the island in the Andean nation.

Leanes also highlighted that Bolivians studying at the Latin American School of Medicine, are taught the same ethical and humanist principles as their Cuban colleagues.

According to a report by the Cuban medical brigade in Bolivia, 5,189 patients were treated on August 20, of which 908 were ophthalmology cases, 274 pediatric, 205 orthopedic, 192 cardiology, 524 dental and 253 internal medicine.

(Prensa Latina)