MEDICC Decries Added US Restrictions for Travel to Cuba

OAKLAND, Calif., June 6, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- MEDICC (Medical Education Cooperation with Cuba) has deplored the Trump administration's decision this week to further curtail US travel to Cuba. "This latest move is one more assault on the freedom of Americans, Cuban-Americans and the health and livelihoods of Cubans on the island," said Dr. Peter G. Bourne, Chair of MEDICC's Board of Directors.

MEDICC has long stood for open dialogue and cooperation with Cuban educators, health professionals and researchers, to generate the kind of collaboration that can bring improved health to the USA, Cuba and the world.

The US has technologies and know-how that could be shared with Cuba and the island nation provides access to medical services and outcomes that often surpass those of the United States. "Their universal health care, including services to assure women full reproductive rights, has produced higher vaccination rates and lower infant mortality?with fewer disparities than in the USA. In addition, innovative Cuban biotechnology medications for diseases such as diabetes and cancer care should be a priority for our FDA pipeline," said Bourne. He also referred to the "imperative for joint efforts when hurricanes, epidemics and other disasters strike."

MEDICC was founded over two decades ago to foster mutual learning and collaboration over confrontation, and upholds the right of all Americans to travel to Cuba and the right of all Cubans to live free of US hostility and embargo.

SOURCE MEDICC