The South African Department of Health expressed its congratulations to Cuba on the occasion of their 60th anniversary of providing international medical support and cooperation. The Cuban medical brigades, known for their dedicated service in various countries worldwide, have been instrumental in saving lives and promoting healthcare initiatives.
South Africa, among more than 100 nations, has greatly benefited from Cuba’s commitment to social solidarity, outstanding internationalism, and medical cooperation. The collaboration has significantly contributed to strengthening South Africa’s health system and enhancing its pandemic response.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the South African Department of Health highlighted the extensive support received since 1997. This assistance involved the secondment of medical specialists from Cuba to South Africa, as well as the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Training Programme.
We highly appreciate this message of congratulations from the @HealthZA on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of our medical cooperation with the world.#CubaSalva#60AñosSalvandoVidas pic.twitter.com/5gNTuan28b
— Embassy of Cuba in South Africa (@EmbassyCubaZA) May 26, 2023Through the training program, over 3,000 medical doctors have graduated from Cuban universities and subsequently served in underserved communities within South Africa. This initiative has played a vital role in addressing the shortage of doctors, particularly in historically marginalized areas.
Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo, the Deputy Minister of Health, expressed gratitude for the global health cooperation between South Africa and Cuba, characterizing the country as fortunate to have benefited from this partnership. He emphasized that this collaboration complements the efforts of local medical schools in producing much-needed specialists, enabling the government to address healthcare gaps effectively.
Dhlomo acknowledged the visionary leadership of Nelson Mandela and Fidel Castro, stating, “South Africa would not have benefitted from this fruitful cooperation if it were not for the efforts by the globally admired revolutionary freedom fighters of the two countries, Nelson Mandela and Fidel Castro, who believed that health is the biggest wealth anybody can have.” He emphasized the importance of physical and mental well-being in fostering productivity and emphasized the significance of healthcare beyond having an educated and trained workforce.
The South African Department of Health’s recognition of Cuba’s 60 years of international medical support underscores the invaluable contributions made by Cuban medical professionals and the enduring partnership between the two countries.
