President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the 217 Cuban health experts that arrived in the country on Sunday night and will be offering support to curb the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
He says this follows a request he made to his Cuban counterpart, President Díaz Canel Bermúdez.
The theme for this year’s #FreedomDay is: “Solidarity and the triumph of the human spirit in challenging times”. It is fitting that on this day we should welcome Cuban health experts who have arrived in our country to support our efforts to curb the spread of #COVID19. ???? pic.twitter.com/dVJO6hZaVr
— Cyril Ramaphosa ?? #StayHome (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 27, 2020
The group from Havana arrived shortly before midnight at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria. They will be in quarantine before being deployed in different parts of South Africa.
The group consists of experts in the fields of epidemiology, biostatistics, and public health; healthcare technology engineers, and experts to provide technical assistance.
Cuba & South Africa share a special bond with strong historic relations spanning decades. Over 732 South Africans, many from previously disadvantaged communities, received years of training in Cuba since the inception of the Nelson Mandela/Fidel Castro medical training programme. pic.twitter.com/tXhKsLcguy
— Cyril Ramaphosa ?? #StayHome (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 27, 2020
This deployment is a demonstration of the strategic partnership and solidarity between South Africa and #Cuba and a good example of South–South cooperation. We thank HE President Díaz Canel Bermúdez for responding to our call & we forever remain grateful to the people of Cuba.?? pic.twitter.com/kh9Tvvp5eU
— Cyril Ramaphosa ?? #StayHome (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 27, 2020
Healthcare technology engineers will provide support with repairing medical equipment and mining inventory.
The health professionals, who will boost the country’s response efforts to the coronavirus pandemic, were welcomed by senior government officials including the Defence Minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and International Relations Minister, Naledi Pandor.