SOUTH AFRICA - OVER 200 CUBAN DOCTORS ARE TO ARRIVE AT OR TAMBO SHORTLY TO HELP US FIGHT THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

More than 200 doctors from Cuba are due to arrive in South Africa to help fight coronavirus.

The medics left on a plane that first carried a donation of South African medical supplies to the Caribbean island, its embassy in Pretoria said.

They are among 1,200 healthcare workers sent to battle Covid-19 in 22 countries that have requested help from the communist state.

The Cuban doctors - arriving in Johannesburg late on Sunday night - are to be deployed to different provinces by South Africa's Department of Health, Cuba's ambassador Rodolfo Benítez Verson has said.

The two countries have close ties as Cuba was instrumental in the fight against white-minority rule in South Africa, which did not end until 1994 when anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela was elected president.

Cuba is well known for its medical diplomacy, though it has not been without controversy.

The US government under President Donald Trump has urged countries not to accept Cuban medical missions, accusing the country of exploiting its medics - allegations Havana denies.

Cuba, with 1,337 recorded cases of Covid-19 and 51 deaths, has the world's highest ratio of doctors to population and began preparing for the virus early.

According to the Reuters news agency, it is renowned for its focus on prevention and community-orientated primary health care to fight epidemics.

The Cuban press release reads as follows:

In response to the request made by the government of the Republic of South Africa, the government of Cuba has decided to support the great efforts that are currently made by South Africa in containing and arresting the spread of the coronavirus.

A specialized Cuban Medical Brigade will be arriving at O.R.Tambo International Airport on Sunday 26 April 2020 at 23:59 hrs, in a special flight of South African Airways.

The 217 Cuban Health professionals members of the Medical Brigade, which include Family Physicians, Epidemiologists, Biostatists, Healthcare Technology Engineers, Biotechnology experts, among other specialists, have being carefully selected so as to ensure great experience and knowledge in the planning, execution and management of clinical cases as well as the public health response.

They will be deployed in different provinces of the country, in accordance with the strategic plans elaborated by the Department of Health.

These times require cooperation and solidarity. If we act together, the propagation of the virus will be halted, in a faster and more cost-effective manner.  At present time, Cuban Medical Brigades with more than 1 200 Health Professionals, are already deployed in 22 countries of different continents at their request, assisting in the fight against the coronavirus.

The people and government of Cuba deeply value the very special and deep friendship with the government and people of South Africa and consider a duty to extend solidarity and support to ours brothers and sisters of this beautiful nation in this time of need.

! Be safe. Be smart Together, we will beat the coronavirus

via - BBC / EmbassyCubaZA