UNITED NATIONS, November 17, 2014. Last week, before the UN General Assembly, Cuba stated that in addition to aid the fight against Ebola epidemic, Africa needs systematic developmental support.
According to PL, Rodolfo Reyes, Cuban ambassador to the UN, stated before the global organization, “It is important to act against Ebola, but equally necessary is designating, in a sustainable and timely manner, human resources, materials and finance for the development of Africa.”
During the encounter dedicated to updating the 193 UN member states on the Ebola situation, the diplomat commented that Cuba feels united with the Africa given the unbreakable ties between both the Caribbean island and the continent.
Reyes stated that solidarity has characterized Cuba’s relations with Africa over 55 years, with more than 76,000 collaborators who have offered their services in 39 African countries, he stated during the session, in which both David Nabarro UN special envoy on Ebola, and head of the Ebola Emergency Response mission (Unmeer), Anthony Banbury, spoke.
According to Reyes, the same spirit of solidarity manifested over decades drives Cuban aid efforts in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea-Conakry, nations hit by the outbreak which has to date, resulted in almost 5,200 deaths and 14,000 cases, 60% of which have been confirmed by laboratory tests.
Cuba has sent three brigades to these countries, trained 256 professionals from the Henry Reeve International Contingent of Doctors Specializing in Disasters and Large-Scale Epidemics, the ambassador recalled.
Reyes, added that in response to the call for help to combat the epidemic made by the UN, the thousands of Cuban health collaborators stationed across 32 African countries have, in their locations, taken action to prevent the spread of the virus.
Reyes described the outbreak as a global problem, the solution to which “must include efforts by all nations, rich and poor. But above all it constitutes a moral imperative.”
Granma International
