Díaz-Canel: U.S. Violates Its Obligations as Host of the PAHO

The United States is violating its obligations as host of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced today. Díaz-Canel, who also serves as First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, made the statement following Washington’s decision to bar Cuba’s delegation from participating in the 62nd Directing Council of PAHO, held in the U.S. capital from September 29 to October 3.

Statement by Díaz-Canel

Díaz-Canel wrote on the social media platform X that by denying Cuba’s participation, Washington failed to uphold its responsibilities as host country.

“Thousands of Cuban professionals have provided and continue to provide medical services in most countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. The U.S. violates its obligations as host of @opsoms by preventing the Cuban delegation from taking part in the Organization,” he stressed.

The Cuban president accompanied his remarks with a link to an interview with Tania Margarita Cruz, First Deputy Minister of Public Health, who was unable to attend the PAHO meeting.

Cuban Delegation Blocked

Cruz, currently in New York, told Prensa Latina that the U.S. government exploited the requirement for travel authorization to block her participation as head of the Cuban delegation.

She added that another member of the team was also prevented from attending due to a denied visa.

The official emphasized that Cuba has been the country contributing the most in the hemisphere to ensuring universal health coverage at the regional level.

Cuba’s Role in Regional Health

Cruz argued that it is unreasonable to deprive PAHO of Cuba’s direct presence and contributions during deliberations, “when the Caribbean nation has so much to offer in technical matters, strategies, and health policies.”

She noted that Cuba has been implementing public health policies, strategies, and programs for decades, accumulating vast experience that has been recognized and praised by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and PAHO itself.