Havana, August 4, 2026. The Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) awarded the Friendship Medal to prominent Australian activist Don Sutherland, recognized for his unwavering commitment to Cuba and his work leading the Cuban Children’s Hospital Fund, a solidarity organization dedicated to supporting the Cuban pediatric healthcare system.
During the award ceremony, held in Havana, Sutherland expressed his pride in receiving this high distinction on behalf of decades of solidarity from the Australian movement with Cuba, reaffirming his commitment to the humanitarian causes championed by the Revolution. This medal is awarded annually by the Council of State upon the recommendation of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP). With this recognition, Mr. Sutherland joins other Australian friends who, over time, have also received the Friendship Medal for their outstanding solidarity with Cuba, forming part of a tradition of deep respect and cooperation between our peoples.
Mr. Sutherland is currently on a working visit to Cuba, during which he has carried out a comprehensive program of activities related to the children's health sector. His program has included visits to medical institutions in Santa Clara and Havana, where he met with administrators, healthcare personnel, patients, and their families. In these meetings, he has been able to witness firsthand the impact of the US embargo on access to supplies, medicines, and specialized equipment, as well as the ethics, values, and dedication of Cuban medical personnel. His visit to the Pediatric Heart Center in Havana, accompanied by its director, Dr. Enrique Selman, allowed him to delve deeper into ongoing solidarity projects, identify priority needs, and explore new possibilities for future cooperation, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening pediatric care in the country.
The Cuban Children’s Hospital Fund (CCHF) is an Australian solidarity initiative that works to support Cuban pediatric hospitals, especially those dedicated to treating complex illnesses such as childhood cancer and heart disease. The organization promotes fundraising campaigns, manages donations of medical supplies, and raises awareness in Australia about the effects of the blockade on the Cuban healthcare system.
The Embassy of Cuba in Australia deeply appreciates the work of Don Sutherland and the Cuban Children’s Hospital Fund, whose efforts exemplify genuine solidarity and humanitarian commitment to the Cuban people.