Health Ministers from the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) have issued a strong and unified statement praising Cuba’s longstanding contributions to international medical cooperation, while condemning efforts to discredit its global health missions.
In a declaration released on Tuesday, the ministers affirmed that “international cooperation and solidarity are essential” to addressing global health challenges and ensuring the right to health for all—a right enshrined in international law and UN resolutions.
Uganda’s Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng chaired the virtual meeting.
The statement comes amid renewed efforts by some countries to undermine Cuba’s medical outreach programs. The ministers expressed “profound appreciation, gratitude, and recognition” to thousands of Cuban health professionals who have voluntarily served in underserved regions worldwide, often in remote and high-risk areas.
Since 2019, a “dishonest campaign” has sought to pressure host countries to end collaboration with Cuba, the ministers said, describing the effort as “an attack on multilateralism” and “a continuation of aggression and hostility against Cuba.” They warned that such political attacks risk depriving millions of people of essential healthcare services.
The ministers highlighted the global shortage of medical personnel and emphasized that solutions must be rooted in solidarity and international cooperation—not smear campaigns. “Attempts to delegitimize Cuban medical cooperation overlook the pressing global need for health professionals,” the statement reads.
Cuba currently boasts one of the highest doctor-to-patient ratios in the world, enabling it to share skilled medical teams across the globe. Over the last six decades, more than 605,000 Cuban health professionals have served in 165 countries, tackling major public health emergencies, including Ebola in West Africa, cholera in Haiti, and COVID-19.
Notably, the Henry Reeve International Medical Brigade, established for disaster and epidemic response, has been recognized for its rapid humanitarian deployments. Cuban teams provide care indiscriminately, with deep respect for local laws and customs, the ministers noted.
Beyond emergency response, Cuba has trained over 43,000 medical professionals from 120 countries, with many going on to serve in their home countries or in international missions.
The ministers also drew attention to the ongoing economic blockade against Cuba, calling it a major obstacle to the island’s development and medical outreach. Despite the blockade, they commended Cuba’s unwavering commitment to global health: “Neither discrediting campaigns nor the blockade have succeeded in stopping Cuba from saving lives.”
They concluded by reaffirming their solidarity with Cuba and called for global recognition of the country’s humanitarian contributions. “Cuban medical cooperation,” the statement said, “will remain a symbol of hope, dedication, humanity, and solidarity.”
