HAVANA – After days of exchanges on the work of health workers abroad, the 22nd meeting of heads of medical missions abroad concluded yesterday, Friday, at the headquarters of the Central Medical Cooperation Unit (UCCM), ACN reported.
As an annual tradition, the 2023 Cuban Medical Cooperation Yearbook was presented. This yearbook celebrates the 40th anniversary of the UCCM and details the work of Cuban health teams around the world. In addition, the contribution of the rebel army commander, José Machado Ventura, who was Minister of Public Health between 1960 and 1968, was recognized.
The director of the yearbook, Felipe de Jesus Delgado Bustillo, stressed that this publication defends Cuban medical cooperation against the smear campaigns promoted by the United States government. The yearbook shows the commitment of more than 37,000 Cuban collaborators in 59 countries, to contribute to global health.
In addition, the presence of women in the field of medical cooperation is highlighted. For the second time, the yearbook is published in Italian, partly due to the arrival of Cuban doctors in Italy to fight Covid-19 and the arrival of a new contingent of doctors in the Calabria region.
Dr. Michael Cabrera Laza, Director of UCCM, reported that during a meeting with the heads of missions, 14 conferences were held related to the implementation of the National Economic and Social Development Plan until 2030. These conferences addressed topics such as political and ideological subversion towards Cuba, the international epidemiological situation, academic training and communication management on social networks, as well as advances in Cuban biotechnology.
On this occasion, the invitation to the V Cuba Health conference and related exhibitions was launched. During the event, a visit was made to the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Mariel, and meetings were held with stakeholders of the Ministry of Public Health to discuss work guidelines.
These guidelines are based on unity, improvement of ideological political work, economic development, and measures to remove distortions. In addition, a new cadre code of ethics was signed. The director noted that 341 delegates from across the country participated and 37 agreements were adopted that will be incorporated into the UCCM working system.
On the other hand, at the suggestion of the National Union of Health Workers, the Central Workers’ Union of Cuba awarded the 85th Anniversary Seal to the entity responsible for managing human capital. This institution stands out for its high competence, scientific and technical development, high human values and ethical principles. Its mission is to comply with the international commitments undertaken by the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) with other countries in the world.
In addition, Mensap praised the disciplined, organized and efficient performance of Cuban medical teams in countries such as Algeria, China, Djibouti, Dominica, Gambia, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Italy, Qatar, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia, Uruguay and Venezuela.
This recognition covers the period from July 2023 to June 2024. The event was attended by Susili Morfa González, member of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party and head of the Social Welfare Department; Jorge Luis Perdomo de Lela, Deputy Prime Minister of Cuba; José Ángel Portal Miranda, Minister of Public Health; Tania Margarita Cruz Hernández, First Deputy Minister of Public Health; and Santiago Badia González, Secretary General of the National Union of Health Workers.
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