Mr. President,
We thank the delegation of Brazil for the presentation of draft resolution L.19. Cuba supports the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
The realization of the right to universal, free and quality health care is a high priority for the Cuban State and a reality for our people.
Even in circumstances of permanent siege and hostility by the government of the United States and the harmful impact of the criminal economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed against the Cuban people, our country continues to guarantee universal and free access to health services for the entire population and achieves extraordinary results in the field of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
Despite the dishonest campaign of hatred and discredit against Cuban health professionals by the US government and the intimidation of recipient countries, the results of the international medical cooperation offered by Cuba are undeniable.
Our doctors, nurses and other health specialists have saved, in different parts of the world, more than 12 million lives, have performed more than 17 million surgeries, have assisted more than 5 million births, and more than 3 million people have recovered their sight thanks to ‘Operation Miracle’.
We urge the Special Rapporteur to address, within the scope of her mandate, the impact of bilateral, regional and international medical cooperation on the realization of the right to health.
Cuba will continue to develop actions of cooperation, constructive exchange and technical assistance with this mandate, as part of our firm commitment to the right to health.
We reiterate our support for the Agreement on Pandemic Prevention, Response and Recovery, adopted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in May this year. This Agreement is an important step forward in strengthening collective action. Its successful implementation requires increased international cooperation and assurances to developing nations of adequate and predictable economic, financial and material resources.
We trust that the mandate of the Special Rapporteur can contribute to efforts for the prevention and effective confrontation of pandemics, which do not distinguish between borders, ideologies or levels of development.
Cuba supports draft resolution L.19 and will join the consensus on it.
Thank you very much.