UN Extols Cuban Family Clinics

Havana, Mar 10, 2006. (Prensa Latina) Representative of the World and Pan American Health Organizations in Cuba, Lea Guido, highlighted Cuban primary medical assistance, closely linked to neighborhood family needs.

The official referred to the world famous Cuban programs for maternity, infant and reproductive care, based on sanitary and educative strategies that have contributed significantly to the high health indicators achieved in the nation.

Since early 1980, Cuba has been the very first Latin American country achieving the goals for primary medical assistance for everyone hoped for by 2000, Alma Ata international strategy agreed in 1978.

In contrast, many people in the region have carried out reforms in the medical field without prioritizing primary assistance, the official said.

Between 10 and 40 million people in the US lack medical insurance, while 40 percent of the Latin American and Caribbean population, excepting Cuba, do not have this social security.

Lea Guido praised the reforms implemented by the Cuban Health System, starting with the neighborhood family clinics nationwide, including modern technology, new services and professional training.