Mexico Continues Support for Cuban Medical Workers Amid US Pressure
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has reaffirmed that Mexico will persist in accepting Cuban medical workers as part of an enduring program designed to foster goodwill between Cuba and various Latin American nations.
Her statements on March 25 arrived concurrently with increasing pressure from the United States on Latin American countries to terminate their associations with Cuba's medical initiative.
During a press conference, Sheinbaum emphasized the advantages of this collaboration for Mexico. Since 2022, thousands of Cuban medical professionals have been deployed across Mexico, focusing significantly on underserved rural communities.
“We have a very good agreement that’s also been a great help to us. It’s a bilateral agreement that’s been very beneficial for Mexico,” noted Sheinbaum.
“It’s challenging to attract Mexican doctors and specialists to serve in many rural areas where we require medical expertise, and the Cubans are willing to work there.”
In February, the US enacted legislation that paves the way for sanctions against countries that maintain involvement in this program. The law mandates the US Secretary of State to prepare a report within 90 days detailing which nations continue to financially support the Cuban government for what is characterized as the "coerced and trafficked labor of Cuban medical professionals."
This initiative forms part of a broader strategy aimed at further isolating Cuba and seeking to undermine the government in Havana, which has long been a focal point of US criticism. Thus far, nations such as the Bahamas, Honduras, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Guyana have ceased their participation in the Cuban medical exchange program.
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