Being one of the countries that took immediate action and being better positioned than most with a strong healthcare system, Cuba’s response in dealing with the covid-19 threat has been impressive despite the over 60-year US economic blockade that has restricted entry of many needed medical supplies. Although Cuba like the rest of the world struggles against the covid-19 pandemic, its government has implemented a prevention and control program that is part of an overall system that considers health as a human right and thus treated as an obligation by the Cuban State. And despite the challenges created by US trade sanctions, it has developed four covid-19 vaccines and other treatments, tests, diagnostics and other innovations to combat the coronavirus.
These were shared by Dr. Emmanuel Vigil Fonseca of Cuba’s Ministry of Health and member of the Henry Reeve International Medical Brigade when he discussed some of his country’s safety measures, healthcare system and development of covid-19 vaccines in the virtual forum “Cuba’s Covid-19 Response amidst US Blockade” last February 6. Other presentors were Atty. Arthur Heitzer, chairperson of the National Lawyers League-USA Cuba Subcommittee who recounted the policies on the US blockade of Cuba by American presidents since it was imposed in the 1960s, Leima Martinez Freire, director of the Instituto Cubano para Amistad con los Pueblos (ICAP), and Dr. Edelina P. De la Paz, Health Alliance for Democracy chairperson who discussed how the Philippine government is dealing with the same covid-19 in the country.
To mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, the Cuban government has imposed universal safety measures such as observance of basic health protocols like wearing of facemasks, physical distancing and good hygiene. According to Fonseca, tourism activities were suspended and border closure was temporarily put in effect. The pandemic also forced the Cuban government to limit transportation, cancel commercial flights, suspend face-to-face classes, and restrict mobility by imposing lockdowns especially among vulnerable sectors. Even before the coronavirus hit the country, the Cuban government went on alert, giving trainings to contain the spread of the virus domestically, preparing action plans, reorganizing medical facilities, early surveillance of ports and airports, among others.
In addition, Fonseca said their medical scientists and experts have successfully produced four vaccine candidates which are now under clinical trial. The country is planning to produce around 100 million vaccines that will be distributed for free to its citizens. It is also considering the production of vaccines to be exported to other countries. The production of vaccines is grounded in science in a dedication to saving the lives of all Cubans as well as others in international solidarity.
Cuba’s healthcare system is seen to be a strength in its fight against covid-19. In recognition of the right to health, the government provides free healthcare to its people. Healthcare is regulated by the government and is among its highest priorities and largest budgetary allocations. The country has no private healthcare facilities.
Cuba is known for its impressive healthcare system, which employs three structures for organizing primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare. Primary healthcare is characterized by a family doctor who provides basic healthcare. The ratio of family doctor to people is 1:200, which is considered high compared to other nations. Secondary healthcare is for those who require a higher degree of medical attention like pediatrics, and tertiary healthcare focuses on the treatment and study of particular diseases like cancer and heart diseases.[1]
Cuba has also been producing its own medicines since the US blockade hampered trade including of medical supplies. In order to provide for its people and others in need, its pharmaceutical industries fabricate medicines that are consumed domestically and exported to other countries. These medicines are made affordable and cheap for everyone in the country.[2]
Another strength of Cuba is its medical education system. The country is able to produce a highly educated population in the field of medicine and advanced medical research. It is able to provide medical services and assistance not only to its citizens but also to other countries. It has already sent several humanitarian missions to other countries through its medical brigades that have contributed to disaster response and infectious disease control. Many of its doctors have volunteered to several countries around the word building up and supporting their health systems while gaining experience in emergencies. One of its medical brigades was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Several of its medical experts are sent to other countries that are heavily burdened by the covid-19 pandemic like Italy.[3]
Despite having an outstanding health care system, Cuba still faces challenges in improving its health services in combating the covid-19 pandemic. Citing some of these during the virtual forum, Leima Martinez Freire said the negative economic impact of the pandemic and the 6-decade US blockade has immense consequences on its medical system. The trade sanctions prevented the import of medical supplies and raw materials for the domestic production of medicines. During the Trump administration, 240 measures were applied which impeded medical supplies like ventilators from reaching Cuba. This has greatly affected the country’s efforts in combating covid-19.
The virtual forum was sponsored by the Philippines-Cuba Friendship Association/Amistad together with La Solidaridad, ICAP, National Lawyer’s Guild – USA, International League of People’s Struggles, and Health Alliance for Democracy and participated in by the Center for Development Programs in the Cordillera (CDPC).
[1] Cuba Platform, The Cuban Healthcare System, https://cubaplatform.org/healthcare
[2] Andres Cardenas O’Farrill, How Cuba Became a Biopharma Juggernaut, March 5, 2018, https://www.ineteconomics.org/perspectives/blog/how-cuba-became-a-biopharma-juggernaut.
[3] Helen Yaffe, Leading by Example: Cuba in the Covid-19 Pandemic, June 8, 2020, https://cpnn-world.org/new/?p=20587https://www.firstpost.com/health/coronavirus-outbreak-cubas-response-to-the-pandemic-is-a-testament-to-human-solidarity-in-a-global-crisis-8196961.html.