Geneva, June 19, 2025. Representatives from numerous countries, international organizations, civil society organizations, and academic institutions held a packed event at the UN Palace in Geneva as part of the activities organized in the context of the 59th session of the Human Rights Council. The meeting focused on the contribution of international medical cooperation to the realization of the right to health.
Moderated by Cuban Ambassador Rodolfo Benítez Verson, the panel included representatives from South Africa, Brazil, Venezuela, the South Center, and the NGO "Centre Europe – tiers monde" (CETIM). Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) also spoke.
Presentations were made on the results achieved by international medical cooperation, including South-South and Triangular Cooperation; its positive impact on the care of vulnerable individuals and groups, the expansion of health services and quality of care; as well as the training of young professionals in the field of medicine.
The potential of the recently adopted WHO Pandemic Agreement and new actions that the UN Human Rights Council could take to contribute to the right to health through international cooperation and solidarity were discussed.
All interventions recognized and expressed gratitude for the outstanding work carried out by Cuban health professionals, who have provided and continue to provide their services in numerous nations around the world. Special mention was made of the Cuban medical brigades that participated in the fight against cholera, Ebola, blindness in Latin America, the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participants denounced the dishonest attempts by the United States government to delegitimize and defame Cuban doctors with unfounded and ridiculous allegations that lack the slightest credibility and have a negative impact on the realization of the right to health.
The event became a moment of emotional and well-deserved tribute to Cuban health workers, examples of solidarity, altruism, and dignity, and of gratitude to Cuba for its commitment to continue saving lives in other countries in need, despite the smear campaigns and the intensification of the criminal blockade.