The return of nine healthcare professionals from Jamaica to the Artemisa province of Cuba marks the end of a medical mission impacted by escalating geopolitical pressures. The Cuban doctors and nurses concluded their assignments earlier this month, following what Cuban officials describe as a unilateral decision by the Jamaican government influenced by the United States. This situation underscores a broader trend of strained international medical cooperation, as several countries have recently curtailed agreements with Cuba amid increasing U.S. Pressure, including reported embassy closures and diplomatic mission reductions.
The healthcare workers, all affiliated with the Artemisa Provincial Public Health System, had been providing medical services across Jamaica when the decision to end the agreement was made. Their departure highlights the complex interplay between international aid, political maneuvering, and the essential healthcare needs of vulnerable populations. The situation also raises questions about the future of Cuban medical internationalism, a long-standing pillar of the island’s foreign policy.
A Sudden Departure
Among those returning to Artemisa are nurses Yunif González Blanco, Yamilé Fernández Díaz, Beatriz Suárez Escandell, Shirley Cruz Hernández, Liudmila Sánchez Mojena, Niurkys Matilde Kirós Iraola, and Yoanka Sotolongo Herrera. Doctors Giraldo Pérez Sosa, a general practitioner, and Odalys Barrios Roque, a surgical ophthalmologist, also completed their missions. Dr. Alberto Crespo Peña, Head of Collaboration for the Artemisa Provincial Health Directorate, confirmed that two of the professionals, Liudmila Sánchez Mojena and Odalys Barrios Roque, had returned on an earlier flight – Sánchez due to illness and requiring hospitalization at the Hermanos Amejeiras Hospital in Havana, and Barrios to her hometown of Guanajay.
The remaining seven professionals arrived back in Cuba on Friday evening, concluding their work in Jamaica under challenging circumstances. Yunif González Blanco, who worked as a general nurse at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Saint Thomas, a town about an hour from Kingston, shared her experience. She described a growing sense of unease following a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his subsequent statements regarding Cuban healthcare personnel. “His visit, about four months after I arrived in Jamaica, felt like a warning sign,” González Blanco said. “There were allegations of human trafficking, referring to internationalist workers, which created a sense of vulnerability.”
According to González Blanco, the Jamaican government received an ultimatum from the U.S. Government to terminate the agreement with Cuba in late 2025. Whereas the official announcement didn’t come until March 5, 2026, the writing was on the wall. Cuban officials have publicly lamented the decision, attributing it to U.S. Pressure.
A Mixed Reception and Lasting Gratitude
González Blanco explained that the Cuban medical team was presented with a choice: continue their three-year contracts under different terms, without ties to the Cuban government, or return home. The team unanimously declined the offer. Despite initial cultural differences, the Cuban doctors and nurses found themselves deeply appreciated by the Jamaican people. “The culture is different, Jamaicans are less outwardly expressive than we are,” González Blanco noted. “But when they learned we were leaving, the outpouring of gratitude was incredible. People stopped us on the street, thanking us and asking why we had to go.”
She recounted heartfelt encounters with patients and colleagues who expressed their disappointment and gratitude for the care they had received. “That’s what I’m taking with me,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “That feeling of gratitude from the Jamaican people, that’s what marked our mission from the beginning.”
The Broader Context of Cuban Medical Internationalism
Cuba has a long history of sending medical professionals to countries in demand, a practice that has earned the nation international recognition and goodwill. The Cuban medical missions are often deployed to areas with limited access to healthcare, providing essential services and training local personnel. However, these missions have also been a frequent target of criticism from the U.S. Government, which has accused Cuba of exploiting its healthcare workers and engaging in “medical diplomacy” for political gain. These accusations have been consistently denied by Cuban officials.
The recent developments in Jamaica are part of a larger pattern. Reports indicate that similar pressures have been applied to other countries in the region, leading to the termination of medical cooperation agreements with Cuba. Recent reports also highlight tensions with Costa Rica, where diplomatic relations have been strained.
Despite the challenges, the returning healthcare workers have expressed their willingness to return to Jamaica if the opportunity arises. The experience, while abruptly ended, left a lasting impression on both the Cuban medical team and the Jamaican people they served. The future of Cuban medical internationalism remains uncertain, but the dedication and commitment of these healthcare professionals serve as a testament to the enduring power of international solidarity and the vital role of healthcare in bridging political divides.
The situation in Jamaica will likely be monitored closely by Cuban officials as they navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape. Further developments regarding potential future collaborations will depend on diplomatic negotiations and the broader political climate in the region.
If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of displacement or loss, resources are available. You can contact the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement for support and assistance: https://www.icrc.org/
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