In a video message to the BRICS Health ministers’ meeting, held under India’s presidency, Cuban Health Minister Jose Angel Portal expressed the Caribbean nation’s willingness to expand cooperation with the members of the intergovernmental group and share its accumulated experience in multiple areas of the sector.

Portal explained that his absence from the event was due to the complex situation Cuba is facing, which is marked by the unprecedented tightening of the US blockade, the energy siege, and the constant threat of possible aggression from Washington.

The Cuban minister noted that, in spite of difficulties, Havana remains committed to working towards a future where science, innovation, solidarity, and sustainable development result in better health for our nation.

He considered the meeting a valuable opportunity to reaffirm that, in the face of the multiple crises humanity is facing, strengthening resilient health systems, promoting innovation, and expanding cooperation are essential to guarantee universal access to quality services.

Portal emphasized that only through joint efforts, solidarity, and the comprehensive “One Health” approach, which Cuba endorses, we can effectively respond to challenges such as climate change, emerging diseases, and growing inequalities, which threaten the survival of humanity.

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