Statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba
Cuba regrets the Jamaican government's decision to end medical cooperation, bowing to pressure from the US.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba reports that, on March 4, the Jamaican Foreign Ministry informed our Embassy in that country of its government's unilateral decision to terminate the health cooperation agreement that has linked the two nations for decades.
With this action, the Jamaican government is bowing to pressure from the US government, which is unconcerned about the health needs of its Caribbean brothers and sisters.
Cuba deeply regrets that a history of fruitful and sustained collaboration that has brought countless benefits to the Jamaican people is being undermined in this way, as they are now being deprived of the basic and specialized health services provided by Cuban collaborators.
In response to the Jamaican government's decision, the Cuban government has taken the sovereign decision to proceed with the return of the Cuban Medical Brigade. These health professionals leave behind an indelible mark and return to Cuba with the satisfaction of having fulfilled their duty and the permanent willingness to assist wherever their vocation of solidarity is required.
Cuba's work in Jamaica is an eloquent example of genuine cooperation. In the last 30 years alone, more than 4,700 Cuban collaborators have provided medical assistance on the Caribbean island. Currently, the Brigade was composed of 277 professionals, whose work has had a tangible and profound impact on strengthening the Jamaican health system.
The historic results of this collaboration speak for themselves:
• More than 8,176,000 patients treated.
• 74,302 surgical procedures performed.
• 7,170 births attended.
• More than 90,000 lives saved.
Likewise, through the Operation Miracle program, present in Jamaica since 2010, the vision of nearly 25,000 Jamaicans has been restored or improved. Cuban cooperation has also been decisive in projects for the control and prevention of diseases such as malaria and in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The most recent example of this commitment was evident after Hurricane Melissa, which severely affected the island. In those difficult circumstances, the Cuban Medical Brigade remained steadfast in their posts, many of its members working for more than 72 hours continuously and actively joining in the recovery efforts of hospitals and communities.
True to the historic ties of brotherhood and solidarity that unite us with Jamaica, Cuba reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Jamaican people, who can always count on Cuba's selfless cooperation.
Havana, March 6, 2026.