ECOWAS President Welcomes Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Partner on Health and Malaria Control.
By Raymond Enoch
In a move set to strengthen relationship between West Africa and Cuba, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, welcomed H.E. Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Cuba’s Foreign Minister, at the Commission’s headquarters.
The visit signifies a step forward in fostering bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of health and the ongoing fight against malaria.
The two leaders engaged in fruitful discussions centered around expanding collaborations aimed at addressing critical health challenges in the region. The most pressing issue on the table was the eradication of malaria, a disease that continues to pose a major public health threat in many West African countries.
“Malaria is a persistent challenge in our region,” President Touray remarked during the meeting. “Cuba’s expertise and proven success in health interventions can play a pivotal role in addressing this issue. We are looking forward to deepening our cooperation in the fight against malaria, which remains a top priority for ECOWAS.”
Cuba, known for its global contributions in healthcare, has consistently provided technical assistance and support to developing nations, including training medical professionals and sending specialized medical teams abroad. With its success in reducing malaria rates at home, Cuba’s potential to assist West Africa in controlling the disease is seen as an invaluable asset.
Foreign Minister Parrilla expressed Cuba’s readiness to share its expertise, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in tackling global health challenges. “Cuba stands firmly with the ECOWAS Commission in its efforts to eliminate malaria in West Africa,” he stated. “This cooperation is a symbol of our commitment to fostering health, solidarity, and progress in the region.”
The discussions are expected to lead to concrete actions, including joint programs, exchange of medical expertise, and capacity-building initiatives. By leveraging Cuba’s experience and ECOWAS’s regional reach, both parties aim to develop a comprehensive strategy that could serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar health crises.
As both sides work together to combat one of the most persistent health threats in the region, the partnership promises not only to enhance public health systems in West Africa but also to strengthen the broader relationship between the ECOWAS region and Cuba. This visit marks the beginning of a promising new chapter in international collaboration, offering hope for the future of public health in West Africa.
