Authorities of the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) and the Biotechnological and Pharmaceutical Industries of Cuba (BioCubaFarma) met with representatives of European embassies, Cuban-based partner agencies and PAHO/WHO country office to continue promoting collaboration in the health sector.
The head of the Cuban Centre of Molecular Immunology pointed out that as long as there is no efficient vaccine, strategies must continue to be directed at avoiding infection and slowing the progression towards serious or critical forms of the disease. The EU’s representative to Cuba shared recent information about ongoing studies globally on the prevalence of COVID-19. Senior Cuban researchers commend the project as it would not only help to understand the epidemic, but could also be very useful for strategies of immunization.
An 18-month UN-funded initiative focuses on improving the capabilities of medical devices in intensive care units, guaranteeing the availability of personal protective equipment for health workers and enhancing diagnostic capacity. Partners agreed to strengthen ties between Cuban and EU member states academic institutions.
One EU member state – Sweden, through its embassy in Cuba, works with PAHO/WHO to support the Immunoassay Center (CIE) for developing COVID-19 diagnostic technologies. The first contribution will allow the acquisition of supplies needed for the production of COVID-19 diagnostics based on SUMA technology. In order to better understand how this collaboration could help the island’s response to the pandemic, the Ambassador of Sweden, Mr Tomas Wiklund, and the Representative of PAHO/WHO, Dr José Moya, established close contacts with CIE specialists. They discuss the strategies, products, and impact of this important national institution, as well assess the possibility of future collaboration initiatives. SUMA, which began in Cuba in the 1980s, is especially useful in prenatal and neonatal screening; epidemiological surveillance; prevention of vertical transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C; prostate cancer screening and blood certification, among other functions. The technology package, which will now enable detecting COVID-19, includes equipment, diagnostic kits and specialized technical assistance services.
WHO thanks all donors and partners who have contributed to fund the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to combat COVID-19. A special appreciation goes to Member States and other contributors who provided flexible funds, making it possible for WHO to deliver a coherent, strategic and broad response.