Statement by Dr. Carilda Peña García, Deputy Minister of Health of the Republic of Cuba at the ECOSOC Special Ministerial Meeting on “A Vaccine for All”. New York, 16 April 2021
Dear ECOSOC President,
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a crisis with manifold and devastating impacts, not only on health, but also on economy, trade and societies.
The international situation remains very complex. Globally, new cases increased for the sixth consecutive week.
This scenario is not alien to Cuba; we have reached a plateau at approximately 1,000 cases per day. As a result of the treatment protocols implemented, 91.4 percent of people recovered, making us one of the countries with the best indicators of this type.
The fight against this disease demands an extraordinary effort from health professionals. Cuban scientists have taken on enormous challenges that demonstrate, in the first place, their commitment to the health of the people, as well as the professional and human integrity, modesty and selflessness that distinguish them.
I am proud to share in this context the fact that my country currently has five approved vaccine candidates: two of them in Phase III of clinical trials and another three in Phase I and II.
In parallel to clinical assessments being conducted in Phase III, intervention studies were initiated with health care and biotechnological industries workers, which will allow us to evaluate the safety of the vaccines in a larger number of persons.
The results are positive, and once these evaluations are concluded, more vaccines will be available for the benefit of the Cuban population and other countries.
Dear colleagues,
This complex and challenging disease has left the world with numerous experiences. Harnessing them is vital in efforts to protect humanity and with it, life.
Unfortunately, some nations do not recognize this relation, and what is worse, by means of actions to reinforce unilateral coercive measures, they attempt to prevent others from being able to respond effectively in confronting COVID-19.
Cuba is a nation with limited economic resources, which makes it difficult to have access to any type of vaccine, which, besides not being fully available, have unaffordable prices, which is why we had to bet on the development of our own vaccines.
In spite of this, in a supportive manner, we have assisted 40 countries with human resources by sending 57 brigades making up the Henry Reeve Contingent to tackle this disease, which have joined more than 28,000 health professionals rendering their services in 66 countries.
We reiterate the importance of vaccines as a global public good, delivered in a fair, equitable and timely manner to all. This pandemic has taught us that solidarity and international cooperation are vital in such situations. No country, large or small, is immune.
Thank you.
