Healing Without Borders

By Roberto Morejón 

In recent days, Cuba has reaffirmed the value of its healthcare system, which, despite material limitations due to external factors, remains rooted in its free and preventive approach. 

The well-attended and organized International Convention Cuba Salud 2025, featuring fairs, conferences, and notable exchanges of practices and concepts in Havana, supports public policies and a network of primary healthcare services, which are also affected but still standing strong. 

The large gathering of guests, officials, experts, and activists at the convention highlights the interest in the Cuban healthcare model, though it is acknowledged that the shortage of supplies is well-known abroad. 

As explained by the government, the U.S. blockade is particularly harsh on this type of assistance, to the extent that doctors, nurses, and technicians sometimes lack essential medicines, equipment, and reagents. 

Nevertheless, the country boasts a low infant mortality rate, vaccine coverage, disease prevention, and pandemic control, while its professionals work tirelessly to overcome pressing challenges. 

This makes the convention particularly significant, as discussions revolve around public health management models on an international level, and Cubans are always willing to embrace innovative perspectives. 

The very organization of this event, despite economic difficulties, underscores Cuba's commitment to maintaining its healthcare system amidst foreign pressures. 

One such pressure is the fierce campaign led by the U.S. State Department and Marco Rubio to dismantle Havana's medical collaboration abroad, backed by governmental agreements. 

Despite this, Cuba's Ministry of Public Health emphasized its dedication to defending healthcare as a universal right, as expressed by Minister José Ángel Portal. 

The minister reaffirmed that Cuba will continue to train professionals, share science, and provide services where they are needed, alluding to a tense international landscape compounded by the U.S.'s misleading campaigns. 

In a prestigious convention, the Caribbean nation reiterates that human health cannot be achieved without health for all—something Washington's actions aim to distort. 

With a focus on the "One Health" paradigm, efforts to sustain primary healthcare, and the advancement of science and innovation, Cuba seeks to strengthen the pillars of essential services for its citizens while maintaining its medical cooperation with other nations.