The Minister of Health, Hon Cassanni Laville, accompanied by Chief Medical Officer Ag Dr Lynora Février Drigo, embarked on a significant visit to Cuba to strengthen bilateral ties and explore collaborative opportunities in the healthcare sector. The visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Dominica’s Health Ministry and Cuban health authorities.
Purpose of the Visit:
The primary objective of the Minister’s visit was to foster cooperation and exchange expertise with Cuba, a country renowned for its advancements in healthcare, medical research, and pharmaceuticals. The visit aimed to explore avenues for collaboration that would benefit both nations in addressing common health challenges and improving healthcare delivery.
Highlights of the Visit:
1. Bilateral Meetings: During the visit, Minister Laville held fruitful discussions with Cuban health officials, including counterparts from the Cuban Ministry of Public Health. These discussions focused on areas of mutual interest, such as primary healthcare, disease prevention, and medical education.
2. Site Visits: The Minister and accompanying delegation had the opportunity to visit healthcare facilities and research institutions in Cuba, gaining insights into the Cuban healthcare system and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery. These site visits provided a firsthand understanding of Cuba’s healthcare infrastructure and practices.
3. Signing of MOU: A key highlight of the visit was the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Dominica’s Health Ministry and the Cuban Ministry of Public Health. The MOU outlines areas of collaboration, including but not limited to:
– Exchange of medical professionals and researchers.
– Joint research and development initiatives in healthcare.
– Training and capacity-building programs.
– Access to pharmaceuticals and medical technologies.
Significance of the MOU:
The signing of the MOU signifies a commitment by both countries to strengthen cooperation in the healthcare sector. It paves the way for mutually beneficial partnerships that leverage each other’s strengths and expertise to address healthcare challenges and improve health outcomes for citizens.
Conclusion:
Minister Cassanni Laville’s visit to Cuba and the signing of the MOU mark a significant step forward in enhancing bilateral relations and collaboration in healthcare between Dominica and Cuba. The MOU builds on the foundation of a fruitful partnership aimed at advancing healthcare innovation, research, and service delivery for the benefit of both nations.