Cuba and its Biotech Revolution

Free, universal healthcare is one of the Cuban revolution’s proudest accomplishments, as is its medical aid abroad.

One aspect of the revolution prioritising public health is the work of Cuba’s world-leading biotechnology sector.

From the use of interferon to fight Dengue fever, to using immunotherapy to fight cancer, to developing three successful Covid vaccines, Cuban researchers and scientists have made big advances despite their modest funding compared to Big Pharma.

These advances stem from the revolutionary government’s focus on public health from its earliest days and the absence of private profit. The people’s health comes first.

We are fortunate to have two young representatives of the Cuban revolution visit to give insight into Cuba’s huge advances in health care, and wider issues.

Marianniz Diaz is one of the 800 scientists and engineers working at the Centre for Molecular Immunology (CIM) in Havana where the focus is on new biopharmaceutical products for the treatment of cancer and other nontransmissible diseases.

Iván Barreto López is a fellow leader of the UJC, the Union of Young Communists, and a representative of ICAP, the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples. Ivan works closely with the medical students from many countries who study free in Cuba.

6.30pm Reception and supper; 7pm meeting