Cuba Reiterates its Support for Earthquake Victims in Haiti

UNITED NATIONS, January 18.— The Cuban permanent representative to the United Nations described on Monday the country’s efforts, in cooperation with several countries around the globe, to increase aid to the victims of the 7.2 earthquake that hit Haiti on Tuesday, reported the Prensa Latina news agency.

The Cuban permanent mission to the UN issued a communiqué in New York on Monday announcing the island had sent infrastructure and personnel to Haiti to help with the chaos triggered by the earthquake.    

The document points out Cuba is already cooperating with Venezuela, Namibia, Norway, China, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Russia and the United States to bring assistance to the earthquake victims.

It also requests the Pan American Health Organization to contribute with logistic support, disposable surgical material, medical equipment and other supplies to help guarantee medical aid to the victims.

It underlines the Cuban government swiftly authorized US aircraft to enter the air space of the eastern part of the country to speed assistance to Haiti.

 “In the face of this bleak event, Cuba urges the international community to cooperate and provide immediate assistance to Haiti.”

There were already 400 Cuban collaborators selflessly working in Haiti when the earthquake shook the nation, who have continued to work day and night in the aftermath of the catastrophe.

“Cuba has contributed the most important medical relief for Haitians within the 72 hours following the disaster.”

Just a day after the earthquake, a 60-member relief team arrived in Haiti, many of whom were specialists in disaster situations. They brought with them medicines, equipment, food and saline and plasma solutions.

Currently, 400 Haitian doctors trained in Cuba have joined the Cuban medical team in Haiti.

The document also states international action must not be restricted to solving the emergencies triggered by the earthquake, “Haiti will only be prosperous with the continued and steadfast support of the international community.”

Unfortunately, Haiti carries the stigma of oppressive colonialism and neo-colonialism, of an unfair and excluding international order and continued interference.    

After the 1959 triumph of the revolution, Cuba has set up programs for international cooperation benefiting several countries. In December 1998, the Integrated Health Program aimed at improving Haitian people’s welfare was implemented. Impressive figures show that the Cuban collaborators who have so far served in Haiti —more than 6,000— have performed satisfactorily more than 14 million medical examinations; 225,000 surgeries and 100,000 deliveries, saving more than 230,000 lives.  

In addition to these efforts, the Operation Miracle project [a joint Cuban-Venezuelan Free Eye-Surgery Program] has restored sight to 47,273 Haitian patients free last year alone; while the number of Haitians studying in Cuba is currently at 660 —541 of whom are studying medicine.