An official delegation of international ecumenical leaders met this Saturday to discuss the strengths and challenges of the Cuban cancer treatment program during their visit to the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology.
During the meeting, Dr. Carlos Alberto Martínez Blanco, head of the Cancer Control Section of the Ministry of Public Health, noted that treating this disease is a priority for the Cuban state, given that it is the second leading cause of death in Cuba after cardiovascular diseases.
He pointed out that in recent years there has been a trend of increasing cancer cases in the country, making it crucial to continue implementing the Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, which, since the beginning of the Revolution, has taken its first steps toward becoming a well-structured mechanism.
He argued that the nation has a control network comprised of different levels of care, development centers distributed throughout the country, and the advancement of various specialized services, such as medical oncology, pediatric oncology, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine.
He further detailed that within the sector, there has been a notable increase in research that is advancing knowledge about how to combat cancer, thanks to the development of new, internationally recognized medications.
He stated that despite the island’s potential in the field, the intensification of the blockade imposed by the United States is affecting diagnosis, chemotherapy, and surgery daily for a significant number of patients, due to the inability to acquire the necessary supplies for these procedures.
He specified that the lack of raw materials for drug production, the inaccessibility of spare parts for equipment, and energy difficulties, as a consequence of imperialist policies, are obstacles to medical care.
Luis Martín Rodríguez, director of the institute, stated that despite the complex situation, the hospital has always received support from religious institutions, which systematically provide donations to improve the quality of life for patients.
He added that Cuba maintains excellent relations with international health organizations, allowing for updates on the main trends in cancer care throughout the country.
In statements to the press, Jihyun Oh, permanent general secretary of the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA), explained that the exchange with specialists has provided an in-depth understanding of the center’s needs, enabling them to plan future assistance necessary to combat this disease.
He added that the relationship with the churches in Cuba is historic and marked by understanding and solidarity, and that this visit to the largest of the Antilles aims to provide support to believers and the general population during these difficult times.
During the exchange, this ecumenical delegation, most of whose members are visiting the country for the first time, toured the facilities of the pediatric oncology ward, which has a capacity of 20 beds, five of which are currently occupied.
[ SOURCE: CUBA DEBATE ]
