The Embargo as a Frontal Attack on Education and Public Health in Latin America

Abstract

This position paper aims to compile information regarding the present and prospective effects of the embargo on Cuba across several sectors, focusing particularly on the repercussions for two fundamental components of the nation's social development project: education and public health. The text commences with a succinct description of the nation's public health and education systems, which, over the past sixty years, have established one of the most exemplary frameworks for training public health professionals dedicated to ensuring universality, equity, and comprehensiveness - principles that also underpin the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Then examines the academic and socio-sanitary ramifications of the recent strengthening of the embargo imposed by the United States government, informed by current data and future estimates. And concludes by recognizing that any action that restricts education and creates barriers to access essential services and technologies for health and well-being constitutes an anti-civilizational project. Addressing this issue requires coordinated and sophisticated efforts from Latin American academic institutions to ensure the continuity of training, healthcare, research, and technological development initiatives in the country.