Geneva, May 18, 2026. Cuba’s First Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Tania Margarita Cruz Hernández, held a productive meeting today with the Minister of Health of the People’s Republic of China, Dr. Lei Haichao, on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly taking place at this United Nations headquarters.
Both sides reviewed the progress of the excellent bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on new actions to further strengthen and diversify joint health projects, for the benefit of the peoples of Cuba and China.
The Cuban representative updated Dr. Haichao on the reinforcement of the United States economic blockade, including the severe energy siege and its grave impact on Cuba’s health system.
She reiterated Cuba’s principled position in support of the “One China” principle, under which the region of Taiwan is considered an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China.
The Chinese Minister, in turn, acknowledged Cuba’s demonstrated resilience, noting the continued vitality of the national health system despite the tightening of the blockade.
He invited the Cuban side to participate in the World Conference on Traditional and Natural Medicine, to be held in Beijing this coming October.
Both officials agreed to maintain regular exchanges in the interest of further expanding Cuba–China cooperation in the field of health, which rests on solid foundations and enjoys excellent prospects for continued development.