International Delegates Visit Cuba to Learn About Global Health Assistance

International delegates from countries including Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, France, Spain, Italy, and the Dominican Republic visited the Central Unit of Medical Cooperation (UCCM) in Havana, Cuba this week to learn about the country's extensive global health assistance efforts. Over 600,000 Cuban health workers have provided medical aid in 165 countries around the world.

The visit to the UCCM was part of the International Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba and Anti-imperialism, organized by the Cuban Workers' Federation, national unions, and the Cuban Institute of Friendship (ICAP). The meeting aims to strengthen global solidarity with the Cuban people and its Revolution.

During their time at the UCCM, the delegates participated in a pre-parade for May 1st that was attended by the Cuban medical collaborators and Health Work Heroes. They also learned about the difficulties caused by the U.S. economic, financial, and commercial blockade against Cuba that has been in place for over six decades.

Why this matters: Cuba's global health assistance program is one of the largest in the world, with a significant impact on healthcare access and outcomes in developing countries. The visit by international delegates highlights the ongoing solidarity and support for Cuba's efforts, despite the long-standing U.S. embargo that has hindered the country's development.

Attiya Waris, an independent expert of the UN Human Rights Council, is also currently visiting Cuba to participate in the 2nd Congress '50th Anniversary of the New International Economic Order'. During her stay, she will engage in exchanges with Cuban authorities and institutions to assess the negative impact of foreign debt and the U.S. blockade on the enjoyment of human rights by Cubans. Waris will also meet with Cuban civil society representatives as part of Cuba's ongoing cooperation with the UN human rights mechanism and its institutions.

The international delegates' visit to the UCCM and Waris's assessment mission underscore the global recognition of Cuba's significant contributions to healthcare assistance worldwide, as well as the challenges the country faces due to the long-standing U.S. embargo. "The visit was part of the International Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba and Anti-imperialism, organized by the Cuban Workers' Federation, national unions, and the Cuban Institute of Friendship (ICAP), which aims to strengthen global solidarity with the Cuban people and its Revolution," the UCCM stated.

Key Takeaways

• International delegates visited Cuba to learn about its global health assistance efforts.
• Over 600,000 Cuban health workers have provided medical aid in 165 countries worldwide.
• The visit aimed to strengthen global solidarity with Cuba despite the U.S. embargo.
• A UN expert is visiting Cuba to assess the impact of foreign debt and U.S. blockade.
• The visit highlights Cuba's significant healthcare contributions and challenges from the U.S. embargo.