Health Ministry congratulates Cuba for 60 years of medical support

24 May 2023

The Ministry of Health congratulates the people of the Republic of Cuba on their 60th anniversary of international medical support, cooperation to save lives through dedicated medical brigades around the world.

South Africa is amongst over 100 nations which benefitted from social solidarity, excellent internationalism and medical cooperation with Cuba through medical doctors and specialists which immensely contributed to the country`s health system strengthening and pandemic response.

The country has also benefited from this impactful support since 1997 through both medical specialists who have been seconded to the country and Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Training Programme which produced over 3000 medical doctors who graduated from various Cuban universities, and were largely employed in underserved communities.

The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo described South Africa as one of the lucky nations to benefit through this global health cooperation which complemented the country`s medical schools to produce the much needed medical specialists in quest of the government to address a shortage of doctors, especially the historically underserved areas.

“South Africa would not have benefited from this fruitful cooperation if it was not through 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. Having an educated and trained workforce is not sufficient, but physical and mental well-being are necessary for productivity.”, said Dr Dhlomo.

Issued by Foster Mohale, Health Departmental Spokesperson, 24 May 2023