The Cuban government sent Turkey a medical brigade to collaborate with the assistance to those affected by the earthquake of great intensity that affected that nation and Syria on February 6, with a balance so far of more than 25,000 deaths.
The group of 31 doctors belongs to the Henry Reeve international contingent, specialized in assisting in disaster situations and epidemics. He was fired this Friday night in Havana by the head of the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP)José Angel Portal, according to a note published by the official newspaper Granma.
A few minutes ago we flagged in the @central_unit to the brigade of 32 Cuban collaborators, belonging to the “Henry Reeve” Contingent, which will leave tomorrow for Türkiye to support rescue efforts after the tragic events caused by the earthquake last Monday.?? pic.twitter.com/mlYr2qfIKD
– José Angel Portal Miranda (@japortalmiranda) February 11, 2023
The highest national health authority stated that the brigade would remain on the ground “as long as necessary, and added that its staff could be expanded if the Turkish government requests it.
Tania Cruz, the deputy minister of the sector, indicated in the farewell ceremony that “all have more than 5 years of experience and 69% have fulfilled an internationalist mission in other latitudes,” the outlet stated.
A report from the Prensa Latina (PL) agency highlights that among the members of the brigade there are four women, 20 are medical specialists and 11 graduates, among whom are nurses, epidemiologists and service personnel.
Catastrophe in Turkey and Syria by earthquake of 7.8 degrees
Both President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez highlighted the gesture of support for the Turkish authorities, currently engaged in mitigating the impact of the catastrophe that left several towns in the country in ruins.
“With our prestigious specialists, the sensitivity and will of all of Cuba to contribute to saving lives and helping the recovery of the victims of the terrible earthquake travel to Türkiye,” the president wrote on his Twitter account profile.
Last Wednesday Díaz-Canel visited the Turkish embassy on the island, where he signed the book of condolences in memory of the thousands of deceased left behind by the tragedy.
The telluric movement and its subsequent aftershocks, considered the most violent in recent decades, devastated regions located in northern Syria and southeastern Turkey last Monday, causing more than 80,000 people injured between the two nations, according to the most recent official count released. by various international media.
