Mr. President,
Cuba supports draft resolution L.23/Rev.1.
Mental health is an inseparable component of the right to health. Ensuring it requires policies based on equity, non-discrimination, and respect for human dignity.
We positively value that the draft resolution calls on States to address the social and economic determinants of mental health and to adopt a comprehensive approach that goes beyond the biomedical model.
Cuba fully shares this approach. Since 1959, our country has had a health system based on prevention, primary health care, and universal coverage, which recognizes the integral well-being of the human being as a State priority.
Mental health care in Cuba is aimed at achieving the biopsychosocial well-being of the individual, the family, and society, as well as the social reintegration of persons.
We also support the resolution’s call for States to promote international cooperation and technical support for the development of mental health policies and services.
In line with this principle, more than 605,000 Cuban health workers have provided services in 165 countries since 1963, and more than 43,000 health professionals from 120 nations have been trained in Cuba.
Mr. President,
The economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the Government of the United States, now intensified by a brutal energy siege, has a direct and highly negative impact on health care for our population, including mental health.
Behind this reality are suffering families.
Cuba strongly condemns the genocidal policy of the United States Government and denounces its impacts on the human rights of the Cuban people, including mental health.
The international community cannot remain indifferent to the policy of suffocation and collective punishment imposed against the Cuban people.
Thank you.