Delegation of Cuban doctors arrive in South Africa
The group of doctors will remain in quarantine, at a hotel in Pretoria, for 14 days before beginning their health work in the country.
Over 200 members of the Cuban Medical Brigade have arrived in South Africa to support efforts to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
The group landed at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria in the early hours of this morning (27 April) on a chartered South Africa Airways flight.
Cuban Health Specialists arrive in South Africa to support efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/jxPVIHI0VJ
— Department of Health: COVID-19 (@COVID_19_ZA) April 26, 2020
According to a statement by the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in South Africa, the delegation was sent in response to a call sent out by the South African government.
“These times require cooperation and solidarity. If we act together, the propagation of the virus will be halted in a faster and more cost-effective manner,” the Embassy said in a statement.
According to the Department of Health’s official portal for Covid-19, the group consists of:
- Experts in the fields of epidemiology, biostatistics, and public health,
- Family physicians,
- Healthcare technology engineers, and
- Experts who will provide technical assistance working with local experts.
Minister of international relations and cooperation Naledi Pandor and deputy minister of health Joe Phaahla were among the delegation in attendance to welcome the group at the air force base.
Phaahla said that while the group has arrived during South Africa’s early stages in the fight against the covid-19 pandemic, their support remains imperative.
“In South Africa we are on day 53 since the first patient was confirmed on 5 March. You have arrived at a time when we are indeed getting into the serious battle with this coronavirus and the country thanks you,” he said.
The group of doctors will remain in quarantine at a hotel in Pretoria for 14 days before starting their health work in the country.
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