CUBA'S MEDICAL DIPLOMACY IN BELIZE

UNCLAS BELMOPAN 000594

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/CEN ROIS BEAL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PROP EAID SCUL SOCI BH
SUBJECT: CUBA'S MEDICAL DIPLOMACY IN BELIZE


1. Summary. Since 1999, Cuba has been sending doctors, nurses, and
medical technicians to work free of charge in Belize. Ninety-two
Belizean students currently study medicine in Havana on Cuban
government scholarships. More than 1,500 patients have traveled
from Belize to Cuba for free surgery. Medicine is the largest
component of Cuba's public diplomacy here. The programs were
recently extended through 2010 and have been used to promote Cuban
political activism. End Summary.

Cuban doctors reside in rural Belize
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2. This year (2007) marked the eighth anniversary of the Cuban
Health Brigade in Belize. Since 1999, Cuba has been sending
doctors, nurses, and medical technicians to work free of charge in
rural areas of the country. The program claims to have saved more
than 15,000 lives. (Comment: There is no way to verify this number.
End comment.) Over an eight-year period more than 500 Cuban health
professionals have participated. There are currently 115 Cuban
doctors and health technicians rendering services in Belize. Of the
115 professionals, 63 are physicians (45 general practitioners and
18 specialists). The program also supplies nurses, engineers, x-ray
technicians, and occupational therapists. Government officials
recently signed an extension agreement that will continue the
program through 2010.

Free medical trips and scholarships
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3. The Cuban government also has a long standing program of
providing scholarships to Belizeans to study in Cuba. There are
currently 92 Belizean students studying medicine in Havana on Cuban
government scholarships. Additionally, in 2005, the Cuban
government, with funding provided by Venezuela, began a new program
of flying patients to Havana for medical treatment. The free
transportation, accommodation, and surgery have benefited more than
1,500 patients from Belize. The patients have primarily received
eye surgery but other operations have also been conducted.

The Results
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4. According to Belizean Health Minister Jose Coye, the initiatives
have provided an invaluable service to Belize, by "picking up the
slack" in Belize's health system - particularly in the rural areas.
Although there have been complaints about ill-trained Cuban doctors,
many ordinary Belizeans believe that the majority of the Cuban
professionals demonstrate a higher level of capability and
professionalism than their Belizean counterparts.
Thus far most of the returning Belizean scholarship recipients have
entered private practice in the urban areas, where the economic
incentives are more lucrative. Additionally, many Belizean medical
professionals have left Belize to work in the United States for more
attractive wages. A small number of Cubans married locals, attained
residency, and opened private practices in Belize.


5. Cuban programs target neglected rural areas that receive
relatively little attention. While the Cubans have attempted other
programs like donating free light bulbs to all Belizeans, it is in
the area of medical diplomacy that they have gained the most
favorable press. Cuba has also used both the Cuban medical
officials residing in Belize and Belizeans studying in Cuba to form
groups to speak out on political issues such as "freedom for the
Cuban five."


6. Comment. The effectiveness of Cuba's efforts highlights the
importance of our medical and community outreach projects in Belize.
USNS Comfort, military medical missions, medical visits of private
groups and donations made by the Embassy are important parts of our
public diplomacy efforts in the region. End Comment.

HILL