WHO Director extols Cuban health values

Cuba: World Health Organization General Director Margaret Chan recognized the values of the Cuban public health system, based on primary attention.

In a press conference Wednesday, Dr. Chan highlighted the special interest of the Cuban authorities to the promotion and prevention, the early measures to reduce costs, and other aspects.

"No other country, no matter how powerful it is, can endure the high costs of public health if the technology is not properly used," she stated. Dr. Chan also talked about the public health indicators of Cuba in infant mortality, high life expectancy and others.

"There are some things left to do regarding mother mortality, particularly. Cuba must work harder to strengthen its response to viruses and the handling of disasters, because Cuba is frequently hit and affected by natural disasters." She said.

Chan recognized the Cuban Government has the right vision and leadership to improve the health of the local people, highlighted the dedication of the doctors and specialists, the scientific potential of Cuba, and said Cuba is one of the nations believing in the investment of human capital.

On her meeting with Cuban Revolution Leader Fidel Castro, Dr. Chan said she was very pleased because they "had a long chat, more than two hours long, in which he showed himself quite dynamic, and his comprehension of public health is really impressive." She appraised the work of Cuban experts in other countries like Ecuador to identify disabled people and do adequate surgical operations is very positive. Havana, Prensa Latina