The Cuban Medical Brigade in The Gambia held its Annual Review, an event chaired by the Head of the National Brigade, Dr. Juan Oquendo Montes. The meeting was attended by Brigade Chiefs from the different regions of the country, who presented the main achievements and challenges faced during the last year in the framework of Cuban medical collaboration. Also present were members of the Cuban Diplomatic Mission, who highlighted the importance of the commitment and professionalism of Cuban doctors in strengthening local health systems. The meeting took place in an atmosphere of reflection and reaffirmation of the revolutionary values that guide this solidarity work.
The collaboration between the two countries dates back to June 1996, when a total of 38 medical workers arrived in The Gambia as Technical Assistance. From 1999 onwards, they implemented the Integrated Health Programme, which made this State one of the first in Africa to materialise this experience with the presence of more than 150 collaborators. At present, more than 100 specialised doctors, graduates and technicians from the Caribbean archipelago are providing humanitarian services in The Gambia. Also since 1999, professors from the island have been teaching at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Banjul, created at the initiative of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro.