Busia, April 14, 2022
Honourable Muthahi Kagwe, Secretary of Kenya’s Health Cabinet
Honourable Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Uganda’s Health Minister
Honourable Dr. Daniel Ngamije, Rwanda’s Health Minister,
Dear comrades and African brothers,
Receive warm greetings on behalf of the Cuban people and government and deep gratitude for including the Cuban project for the Control of Malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases in the launch of Great Lakes Malaria Initiatives at the Busia Border.
This project seeks to introduce the Cuban bio-larvicides Bactivec and Griselesf for the control of mosquito larvas and to transfer technical service-related technology, including the practical training of the local Kenyan team in the operational activities in the control of vectors of Malaria and other diseases.
Cuba has had a great presence in Africa since the implementation of projects from the Biological and Pharmaceutical Business Group (LABIOFAM) related to the fight against paludism. The Cuban specialists have not only developed entomological works and have tested bio-larvicides, but also have helped the training of local workers in their use. These comprehensive projects have succeeded as the results show in every African nation they have been implemented.
The Cuban authorities reiterate their commitment to continuing to extend and diversify the cooperation ties with the African continent and specially with Kenya. A Cuban Medical Brigade providing health care services is present in 38 counties of this country.
In addition, Cuba will accompany Africa along the way to the achievement of total malaria eradication in the continent for 2030. Contributing to making this aspiration of the African continent a reality is also a way of honouring the memory of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, the main architect of the implementation of projects such as this one to help Africa, a region with which we share deep roots, historical ties and a long history of cooperation and mutual solidarity.
Let us continue to defend brotherhood and cooperation as fundamental pillars of Cuba-Africa relations! Let us continue, together, to improve the health coverage of our people and defend health as a right!
Thank you very much.