Mr. President:
Cuba is moving towards “zero leprosy”, through the “National Leprosy Program” and the implementation of the 2021-2030 global strategy against that disease.
Although leprosy ceased to be a health problem in Cuba since 1993, around 180 cases are diagnosed every year.
For this reason, national priorities focus on strengthening surveillance, improving service delivery, developing strategies that promote inclusive environments, and providing ongoing training for health personnel, patients, family members and the community in general.
Each year, the World Health Organization donates to our country the treatment for leprosy, which has demonstrated a 98% cure rate, based on its administration on an outpatient basis and supervised by the family physician and nurse. The strengths of primary health care are a critical link in the success of this treatment.
As indicated in the Rapporteur's Report, Cuba participates actively, together with Brazil and Colombia, in Latin American networks focused on vaccine research, rehabilitation and the exchange of data on this disease.
We agree with the Special Rapporteur that international cooperation to address leprosy must go beyond charitable models and be based on dignity, inclusion and social justice. We must strengthen partnerships, cooperative projects, capacity building and sustainable financing.
International cooperation and solidarity are essential, not only for the fight against leprosy, but for the realization of the right to health in general.
Thank you