WHO Director General Praises Cuban Achievements in Spite of US Blockade

“I’m completely aware of the financial, commercial and economic impact of the US blockade and I think that what you have achieved in terms of universal access to health services and assistance to many countries in Latin America and Africa is really amazing,” she stressed.
During a lecture at the Pedro Kouri Institute of Tropical Medicine (IPK) in Havana, the WHO top official said that Cuba’s work regarding primary and community health care is an example for the world.

“This visit is especially interesting for me,” added Chan, who arrived in the Cuban
capital last Saturday for a four-day official visit that concludes tomorrow.

As to the Influenza A H1N1 virus, she explained that 195 countries have already reported cases of people infected and, in this regard, she thanked the Cuban government for its excellent work. She also announced that, next November, the WHO will begin to provide loads of vaccines against this pandemic to almost 100 developing countries, including Cuba.

During a meeting also at IPK, its director, Dr. Gustavo Kouri, granted the medal for the 70th anniversary of this center to Dr. Chan and to Mirta Roses, Regional Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), who is accompanying the WHO General Director on her official visit. The medal was also granted to Lea Guido, WHO and PAHO representative in Cuba.

Deputy Health Minister Luis Estruch explained that since last May 11, when the first cases of people infected with the Influenza A H1N1 virus were reported in Cuba, until October 23rd, 793 cases have been confirmed with seven deaths.