In the continuation of the debates at the 77th World Health Assembly, Cuban Health Minister Jose Angel Portal also repudiated the inclusion of Cuba in Washington’s unilateral list of countries sponsoring terrorism, a measure created to tighten the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed more than 60 years ago.

The unjust blockade and Washington’s unilateral list, hinder a better functioning of our health system, he stressed in the forum that constitutes the highest decision-making body of the WHO.

Portal reiterated the island’s willingness to share, with other nations, its progress in public health, in which it has consolidated the comprehensive approach and intersectoral participation, with pillars such as primary care and work in the communities.

“We will continue to promote solidarity and altruism, principles with which for more than six decades we have provided services in 165 countries, no matter how many challenges or slander we have to overcome to do so, he said.

The head of the Cuban delegation to the 77th World Health Assembly considered that these essences are not and will never be understood by the government of the United States.

Regarding the devastating situation in Gaza, subjected to indiscriminate attacks since October last year, Mr. Portal joined other speakers in condemning the ongoing crimes in the densely populated enclave, where its health system has collapsed under Israeli bombs.

“It is imperative to stop the genocide being committed against the Palestinian people there,” he said.

The island’s representative insisted to the WHO that there is no justification whatsoever for attacking health infrastructures, or the health and humanitarian personnel who work tirelessly in Gaza, to protect innocent civilians from such a terrible massacre.

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