Dr. Ileana Morales Suárez, Director of Science and Innovation at Cuba's Ministry of Public Health, stated that “evidence-based healthcare saves lives” on World Health Day. Under the slogan “Together for Science,” the WHO highlights scientific collaboration in healthcare. Morales Suárez outlined Cuba's research advances and the One Health paradigm.
Dr. Ileana Morales Suárez emphasized Cuba's commitment to science in healthcare during World Health Day celebrations. The sector has 46 Science, Technology, and Innovation entities, over 1,200 research institutions, and 2,334 ongoing projects. Researchers make up 69% of the national total, with 6,182 categorized professionals.
Morales Suárez highlighted the One Health paradigm, integrating human, animal, plant health, and ecosystems. “COVID-19 brought us an uncomfortable but revealing truth: human, animal, and environmental health are intimately interconnected,” she stated. The Cuban government prioritizes intersectoral collaboration to address zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and integrated surveillance.
Cuba reaffirms research as the cornerstone of its health policies, with increased funding and a strengthened scientific ecosystem. “We will continue to invest in science for action and action for science,” Morales Suárez emphasized.
In commemoration, Dr. Mario Cruz Peñate, PAHO/WHO Representative in Cuba, announced 2025 cooperation results. The HPV vaccine was introduced for nine-year-old girls, administering 41,022 doses with 76.6% coverage, supported by GAVI and PAHO. Over 9,300 kilograms of essential medicines were acquired, including vaccines for tuberculosis and hepatitis C. For the first time, CERF's Anticipatory Action Mechanism was activated for Hurricane Melissa, mobilizing $440,000 to protect health services and combat arboviruses.