“Evidence-based healthcare saves lives,” stated Dr. Ileana Morales Suárez, Director of Science and Innovation at the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, on the occasion of World Health Day.
Under the slogan “Together for Science,” this year the World Health Organization highlights the value of scientific collaboration and calls on communities and society in general to support science-based innovation applied to healthcare.
Morales Suárez explained that the sector currently has 46 Science, Technology, and Innovation entities, more than 1,200 research institutions, and 2,334 ongoing projects. Researchers in the sector represent 69% of the country's total, with 6,182 categorized professionals.
She highlighted the One Health paradigm, which integrates human, animal, and plant well-being, as well as ecosystems and the planet. "COVID-19 brought us an uncomfortable but revealing truth: human, animal, and environmental health are intimately interconnected," he stated. The Cuban government project prioritizes intersectoral collaboration to address zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and integrated surveillance.
Cuba reaffirms its commitment to maintaining research as the cornerstone of its health policies, with increased funding and a strengthened scientific ecosystem. "We will continue to invest in science for action and action for science," Morales Suárez emphasized.
In commemoration of this celebration, Dr. Mario Cruz Peñate, PAHO/WHO Representative in Cuba, announced the results of the organization's cooperation on the island during 2025. A highlight was the introduction of the HPV vaccine for nine-year-old girls, with 41,022 doses administered and a coverage rate of 76.6%, supported by GAVI and PAHO.
In addition, more than 9,300 kilograms of essential medicines and supplies were acquired, including vaccines and treatments for tuberculosis and hepatitis C. For the first time in Cuba, the CERF's Anticipatory Action Mechanism was activated in response to Hurricane Melissa, mobilizing $440,000 to protect health services and combat arboviruses.
