In his opening speech, Balaguer highlighted the importance that Cuba gives to primary health attention, which is the main research line in the sector.

Referring to the development of the health system in the Caribbean nation, the high-ranking official recalled that, among the achievements of the Cuban Revolution in the past 50 years, the national infant mortality rate has been reduced to 4.7 per every 1,000 live births and life expectancy is at almost 80 years.

Meanwhile, Jose Ramon Fernandez, VP of the Council of Ministers, stressed that, in the last 10 years, Cuban health professionals have saved more than two million lives in several countries.

“In spite of the US’s financial, commercial and economic blockade, Cuba has developed a coherent policy aimed at strengthening research in the health sector,” he added.

Fernandez recalled that, since its early years, the Revolution gave priority to scientific research in the interests of the people.

“The training of human resources in Cuba has been accompanied by a significant investment in construction and equipping of research centers, even in difficult economic times,” he continued.

Meanwhile, Dr. Gill Samuels, President of the Foundation Council of the Forum, stressed that Cuba should be regarded as an example in this field and she praised the political will of the Cuban government in favor of human development.

The meeting runs through next Friday at Havana’s Convention Center.