CubaPLUS Magazine

Saying “Dr. Durán” in Cuba is almost like invoking a magic name—one that everyone recognizes, even children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, from 2020 to 2022, he became a daily presence in Cuban households, appearing on television every morning to provide updates on the country’s epidemiological situation.

Although the pandemic has passed, Dr. Francisco Alberto Durán García continues to inform the public. Every Wednesday at midday, he appears on Cuban national television to update the population on the country’s epidemiological status.
 
On the occasion of the 5th International Health Convention, Cuba Salud 2025, the specialist shared his thoughts on this event, which will transform Havana into the world capital of health from April 21 to 25. According to its organizers, during those days, there will be no more important global event on the subject.

What significance does Cuba Salud 2025 hold?
 
From April 21 to 25, Cuba will host Cuba Salud 2025, alongside two major fairs:

• The 16th Commercial Fair “Health for All,” showcasing medical advancements.

• The 2nd International Fair on Medical and Wellness Tourism, highlighting Cuba’s healthcare tourism offerings.

These events have been held for years, except during the COVID-19 pandemic. They attract numerous scientists and professionals from Cuba and abroad, covering all health-related topics in the country.
 
The event will include symposia, roundtable discussions, and panels on topics such as general medicine, nuclear medicine, hygiene, and epidemiology. This will undoubtedly benefit the scientific development of Cuban professionals and foster international exchange with experts from around the world.

Ministers, healthcare professionals, and directors of institutions from various countries will attend. The event will also host:

• A One Health Congress, emphasizing an integrated approach to balancing human, animal, and ecosystem health—a critical issue today.

• An International Primary Healthcare Seminar.
 
• A Global Forum on Hygiene and Epidemiology.ç
 
• A Health Informatics Congress, a crucial component of modern healthcare.
 
• A Disaster Response Symposium, focusing on the challenges currently faced worldwide.

• Discussions on social determinants of health, health equity, and the economics of a new healthcare paradigm.
 
Overall, Cuba Salud 2025 will be a major contribution to public health development.
 
Can you speak about what the COVID-19 pandemic meant for Cuba and the current situation?
 
From a public health perspective, the COVID-19 pandemic required mobilization of the entire healthcare system. It demanded an intersectoral response, with coordinated action from all ministries, organizations, healthcare personnel, and students. While it was an unfortunate crisis, it also allowed for a unified approach to tackling the challenge.
 
It is important to highlight that from the very beginning, Cuba’s highest authorities, including the President and state leadership, took charge of the response. The full involvement of all ministries played a key role in controlling the pandemic within a relatively short time.
 
Cuban scientists deserve special recognition. Facing difficulties in acquiring vaccines from abroad, they rose to the occasion and developed Cuba’s own vaccines. As vaccination rates increased, cases and deaths declined, demonstrating both the effectiveness of the vaccines and the strong public health response.

There were also long-term benefits. The pandemic accelerated the development of microbiology and molecular biology laboratories in Cuba. Before COVID-19, there were only three such laboratories in the country. Today, every province, as well as the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud, has one—a major improvement in diagnostic capabilities.
 
Because of this, Cuba was able to limit the negative impact of the pandemic. Notably, no deaths from COVID-19 have been reported in Cuba since August 2022. This is a direct result of vaccination efforts and public health education. While vaccines do not prevent infection, they do prevent severe complications and fatalities.
 
Furthermore, the crisis led to the development of effective medications and treatment protocols, strengthening Cuba’s healthcare system for the future. As a result, Cuba’s health system is now stronger than ever.