Health Authorities Acknowledge International Work of Doctors from Central Cuba

Ciego de Avila, Cuba, May 23 (ACN) In the context of the 59th year of the Cuban Medical Collaboration Program, provincial health authorities in this central province acknowledged the work of local doctors in other nations of the world.

Provincial health director Nirka Pita presided the ceremony where the doctors, dentists and Red Cross members were granted distinctions for their outstanding work in Cuba and abroad.

At present, 978 medical professionals are working in over 30 nations, said local specialist for the Venezuelan medical mission Deyamira Herranz.

The doctor expressed her admiration for the medical workers, who have risked their own lives many times to assist others in need, thus becoming examples of solidarity in any part of the world.

As early as 23 May 1963, a group of 56 Cuban doctors left for Algeria to help the country’s devastated health system after that nation got its freedom from French colonialism; this way the first Cuban medical brigade was set up.

According to the Cuban Health Ministry, the islands medical workers have offered their services in 130 nations of the world.

Since the setting up in 2005 of the Henry Reeve International Medical Contingent, specialized in disaster situations and serious epidemics, by Cuban Revolution leader Fidel Castro, some 88 brigades have been dispatched to 56 countries, with 13 thousand 467 workers. Three of those brigades fought Ebola in Western Africa and 58 groups helped fight COVID-19 in 42 countries.