Ambassador Yuri A. Gala López, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations, addressed the High-Level Political Forum on sustainable Development session, held under the auspices of ECOSOC and dedicated to the Sustainable Development Goal 3: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”.
In his speech, the Cuban diplomat highlighted the country’s health achievements resulting from its universal, free, preventive, and accessible health system for the entire population, which has been sustained by political will, scientific planning, and social justice, despite the negative cross-cutting effects of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States government.
He mentioned Cuban medical cooperation in recent years and its contributions to the health systems of sister nations, even in the most remote areas. In this regard, he denounced the systematic smear campaign orchestrated by the US government against this cooperation, including the decision to suspend visas associated with Cuba's international medical cooperation agreements, based on falsehoods and coercion.
In the face of this immoral and politicized campaign, Ambassador Yuri Gala López reaffirmed that health cannot be a merchandise or an instrument of political blackmail.
He concluded by reiterating Cuba’s willingness to continue contributing, in conditions of respect and cooperation, to the fulfillment of the SDG 3 and to moving toward a world where the right to health is a reality for all and not a privilege for a few.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations