THEME: "HEALTH FOR PEACE: PEACE FOR HEALTH"
Mr. President;
Esteemed Director-General;
Excellencies,
The world is facing one of the most complex scenarios in history. Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic, social and health impacts are incalculable.
The pandemic has reversed years, possibly decades of progress, increasing extreme global poverty. All of humanity is suffering the consequences, and the longer the crisis lasts, the greater the economic and social damage.
Sixty-six per cent of the world's population is still not fully vaccinated against the disease. This is compounded by weaknesses in health systems that hinder the progress made in improving maternal and child health, immunization coverage and control of various diseases.
This reality is a consequence of the unjust international order that treats health as a commodity and not as a human right.
Cuba is no exception to the multidimensional crisis that ravages the planet. The control of the disease has been made possible, among other factors, by having a social justice system that places the human being at the center of its policies, an organized society with popular participation, together with the existence of science and health systems at the service of the nation.
The Cuban biotech industry has ensured that 85% of the products used in the treatment protocol are nationally manufactured, a commitment to technological sovereignty in the manufacture of medicines, supplies and vaccines.
It is remarkable that a small island subjected to a fierce economic, commercial and financial blockade has been the first country in Latin America to produce five vaccine candidates, three of them approved for emergency use by the national regulatory agency.
The control of the disease in the country and the high immunization coverage reached are the greatest proof of its efficacy, reflecting the Cuban people's confidence in their scientists. The Cuban vaccines are currently administered in six countries. We are the first nation in the world to vaccinate the entire population against COVID-19 as of the age of two. More than 36 million doses have been administered and immunization coverage has reached 96.7% of the vaccine-eligible population.
Cuba's contributions to the fight against the pandemic go beyond the necessary immunization. Even in the midst of continuous actions to discredit and hinder Cuban medical cooperation, we have supported the fight against the pandemic in 42 countries, where 58 specialized Henry Reeve brigades are present, joining the over 28,000 health professionals working in 59 nations.
Mr. President,
This disease has highlighted the need for resilient health systems, based on Primary Health Care, with a comprehensive and innovative approach, that contribute to the health of all people.
We are part of a single world, and it is our duty to preserve it for the benefit of humanity. The joint action by countries and their governments, based on respect, solidarity and cooperation, will be the only way to ensure a healthier and more sustainable world, preserving peace and the health of our populations.
Thank you very much.