2023-10-03 15:09:34
Havana, October 3, 2023 (PAHO) – A meeting was held at the Reference Center for Natural Products in Havana to present the results of a cooperation project executed between the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) and the Representation of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) in Cuba, with financial support from the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (FCIL-Canada). The project helped improve the capabilities of this pharmaceutical institution with a view to providing training and better meeting the demands of the population.
Likewise, the activity was conducive to celebrating Pharmacist’s Day, which this year has as its motto “Strengthening health systems with pharmacists.” Present were: Johan Perdomo, Head of the Department of Natural and Traditional Medicine of MINSAP; Sonia Pérez, Deputy Director of the Havana Pharmacy Company; Ivon Quintana, Director of the Reference Center for Natural Products; Michael Machun, Political Secretary and Director of FCIL-Canada; Claudia Bringas, coordinator of FCIL-Canada; Roxana González and Liliana Jiménez, PAHO/WHO consultants.
In the opening words of the activity, the Head of the Department of Natural and Traditional Medicine pointed out that in Cuba this branch of medicine is recognized as an integrative specialty, which uses methods for diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, but also for health promotion and disease prevention. He also referred to the importance of alliances with the pharmaceutical sector, as well as with the collaboration actors, for this work.
For her part, Roxana González, from PAHO/WHO, explained that through the project it was possible to acquire furniture, technological equipment, laboratory glassware, signage and labels, among other supplies that have helped guarantee safe and effective drug production. taking into account compliance with good manufacturing practices and quality control. Likewise, the Reference Center was provided with a well-equipped classroom for the development of teaching activities, workshops and exchanges on health issues.
Next, the Political Secretary and Director of FCIL-Canada, Mr. Machun, emphasized the importance that his government gives to cooperation actions like this, since they allow supporting sensitive sectors for Cuban society and contributing directly to the well-being of the population. He recognized the parties that were involved with the development of the initiative, as well as the staff of the Reference Center that organized the activity regarding Pharmacists’ Day, and highlighted the participation of women in this field.
To close the meeting, the Director of the Reference Center, on behalf of all the workers, thanked the benefits provided by the project and invited a tour of the different areas of the institution where the acquired supplies will be used.
This is not the first action that PAHO/WHO promotes with financial support from FCIL-Canada. Previously, with a gender focus, and through health promotion and communication, we worked on an initiative aimed at promoting knowledge for self-care and collective care in the face of COVID-19 in the school environment.
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