The Chargé d'Affaires of Cuba in Gambia, Laura Elizabeth Martinez Galindo, held a fruitful meeting with Mr. Joseph Modou Peh Grant, president of the Gambia-Cuba Friendship Association. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Juan Oquendo, head of the Cuban medical brigade in that country.
During the exchange, Mr. Grant reiterated the solidarity commitment of his organisation, founded in 1994, to the people and government of Cuba. He strongly condemned US interference in the internal affairs of the island, as well as the economic, commercial and financial blockade that for more than six decades has been imposed by successive US administrations.
Mr. Grant also expressed his strong support for the humanitarian work of the Cuban medical brigades, stressing that Cuba has been the only country that has assisted Africa without demanding anything in return. He denounced the recent smear campaign led by the US government, which he said was a vicious lie aimed at tarnishing Cuba's international image.
For more than 60 years, more than 400,000 Cuban health professionals have provided services in more than 130 countries, providing free care to vulnerable populations in remote areas or areas affected by natural disasters. It is estimated that they have assisted more than 2.3 billion people and saved more than 12 million lives, work that has been widely recognised by international organisations and world leaders.