In early June 2023 I traveled to the beautiful country of Cuba—rich in culture, history, and community. During my visit I learned about Cuba’s history of pharmacology in both traditional and conventional uses, and how the community has leaned on its agricultural practices and traditional methods of farming to help re-establish its connection to the rest of the world as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and secure a means of living. Much of my time was spent doing research and connecting with members of the community in Cuba’s capital Havana and throughout its farming community in the countryside of Viñales. In conversation I learned about the humanitarian health crisis and the high demand for medical aid and treatment. Cuba’s education system, particularly in the field of medicine has produced some of the world’s best doctors, many of whom have dedicated their time and services to humanitarian relief all over the world, more notably during the Covid pandemic in Italy. And yet, they are still unable to treat patients in their own country due to a lack of antibiotics or medicine. Patients are told to look for antibiotics or medication on the “black market” with no alternative resources. While exploring Old Havana I met a local woman (who kindly guided me through a tour of the city) and accompanied her to a village market where she used her ration card to purchase a papaya fruit to help alleviate her mother’s stomach illness in the absence of medication. During my return flight home, I met a dignitary at the airport in Havana who also has experienced limited to no access to medicine and food during her time living and working as a under ambassador with her family in Cuba. She shared her story of struggle to obtain medicine for her sick child during the Covid pandemic and how she had to fly to New York and back as her only means for obtaining medication. Upon my return home, I put thought into action and began my research and due diligence to create and establish our international humanitarian relief program Hope for Health! Our wish for the future and this holiday season is to help fund programs like Hope for Health! that will directly impact communities like Cuba and others around the world with limited to no access to medical aid or treatment. To help move this project forward and ensure its success, A Cure for Issa has received authorization from the US Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control and the International Trade Commission to deliver humanitarian relief to Cuba with our first shipment of medical aid on its way! This is just the beginning, and we are asking for continued support through sponsorship or in-kind donations to help meet basic human needs including medicine, certain medical devices, and nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and food additives or supplements. To make a charitable contribution or become a sponsor, please donate here. For more information on in-kind donations please email us. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Author
Marie Valdes is founder and executive director of A Cure for Issa. She is a tribal citizen of the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, OK, and travels around the world on expeditions to explore indigenous cultures, traditional medicine and agricultural practices. ArchivesCategories |