Eight Cuban Doctors Join Namibia to Boost Healthcare Services. Namibia recently welcomed eight Cuban doctors, bringing the total number of Cuban medical specialists in the country to 98. Their arrival is part of ongoing efforts to address critical shortages in the healthcare sector, particularly in underserved regions.
The deployment is aligned with a bilateral agreement signed between Namibia and Cuba in 2015. The newly arrived specialists bring expertise across a wide range of medical fields, including internal medicine, neurosurgery, paediatrics, orthopaedics, psychiatry, neonatology, plastic surgery, forensic medicine, anaesthesia, urology, radiology, and pharmacy, among others.
According to Cuban ambassador Sergio Vigoa de la Luz, the doctors have been strategically assigned to hospitals in Katima Mulilo, Keetmanshoop, Oshakati, Engela, and Katutura Intermediate Hospital, where their skills are urgently needed.
“We welcome these new Cuban collaborators who will contribute to improving health and well-being in Namibia’s remote regions,” Vigoa de la Luz told Nampa.
The collaboration between Namibia and Cuba dates back to 1991, shortly after Namibia gained independence. Over the years, approximately 2,000 Cuban specialists have provided healthcare services in the country.
Currently, 120 Cuban experts are serving Namibia across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, fishing, mining, education, sport, and construction. The ambassador highlighted that this partnership extends beyond healthcare, contributing to Namibia’s overall development.
Despite enduring decades of economic blockades, Cuba has maintained a globally respected healthcare system. The country’s achievements include a robust maternal and child health programme, which has significantly reduced infant mortality rates, and a comprehensive vaccination initiative, offering 17 vaccines—12 of which are produced domestically.
Namibia has also benefited from Cuba’s educational contributions. Last year, more than 100 Namibian doctors graduated from Cuban universities and are now serving in state hospitals across the country.
The ambassador expressed optimism about the continued partnership, emphasizing its role in enhancing healthcare services in Namibia. “We hope this collaboration will further strengthen healthcare delivery in the country and contribute to the well-being of the Namibian people,” he said.
The arrival of these specialists underscores the enduring bond between Namibia and Cuba and highlights the shared commitment to improving lives through international cooperation.