Cuba and Haiti

[bcholmes]

President Rene Preval thanked Cuba for its support of the Haitian people in the fight against cholera and sent a congratulation message to the people of Cuba on the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the Cuban Revolution.

“Cuba, in spite of its own difficulties, is the country that helps Haiti the most. They were present even before the earthquake hit us, assisting us in the education and health sectors; and, after the earthquake, this assistance increased,” he told Cuban reporters in Haiti.

“The Cuban State, Government and people, and particularly Commander in Chief Fidel Castro, have paid close attention to Haiti. He has dedicated more than five of his Reflections to our difficult situation,” Preval told Granma newspaper.

“More than 500 Haitian doctors have been trained in Cuba and we will soon have 1,500 Cuban health professionals working in the most remote places of my country in the fight against cholera. It is the most important and effective help we have received,” he added.

“On the occasion of the double anniversary of the Cuban and Haitian revolutions, on behalf of the Haitian people and Government, on my behalf and in particular on behalf of those who benefit from the Cuban medical assistance, I wish the Cuban people a happy new year. Forever onward to victory! We will conquer!,” Preval concluded.

As of December 31, 2010, the Cuban Medical Brigade saved more than 50,000 Haitians infected with cholera and reduced to 0.54% the mortality rate of the disease in the health institutions under their management.

— "President Rene Preval Thanks Cuba for Its Cooperation with Haiti"

It's really fascinating to compare the assistance that Cuba gives to Haiti with the assistance that rich countries like Canada or the US give to Haiti. It's impossible to deny that incredible role that Cuban doctors have played in Haiti for years and years.