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Members of the Cuban Medical Brigade arrive in South Africa to help flatten the curve of Covid-19 in the country.
PHOTO: Image via Twitter / Department of Health
- In 2020, South Africa hosted 217 Cuban doctors, health technologists and epidemiologists.
- The government spent R239 million on the program to boost SA’s Covid-19 plan.
- According to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Cuban Medical Brigade had treated 38,000 people on the African continent as of November 2020.
The cabinet approved a proposal to nominate the contingent of Cuban doctors brought to the country to help in the fight against Covid-19 for the Nobel Peace Prize.
In his speech Monday night on the latest Covid-19 developments, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that Cuba had sent more than 3,700 people around the world to help other countries in the fight against Covid-19.
Ramaphosa said:
In recognition of this effort, the South African Cabinet approved a proposal to nominate the Henry Reeve International Contingent of Physicians Specialized in Disaster Situations and Serious Epidemics – or as they are commonly known, the Cuban Medical Brigade – for the Nobel Prize of the Peace 2021.
READ | What benefits do Cuban doctors bring to SA? Zweli Mkhize explains
According to the president, doctors had treated more than 38,000 people on the African continent in November 2020. In June, South Africa received 217 doctors, health technologists and epidemiologists who were deployed to various parts of the country.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the people of Cuba for this great demonstration of solidarity and humanity. Like so many people around the world, we have suffered tremendous losses and endured great sacrifices. Our lives have changed in profound ways, and we have been forced to adapt to new and difficult circumstances.[s]”Ramaphosa said.
At the end of last year, the government was criticized when it revealed that doctors cost taxpayers 39 million rand.
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