Story by Peter Chivhima
ZIMBABWE and Cuba have renewed their commitment to strengthening their historic partnership, with both countries pledging to expand cooperation in healthcare, training, research and innovation as they marked 40 years of Cuban medical cooperation in Zimbabwe.
The milestone was commemorated on Tuesday, highlighting a relationship that has evolved from liberation-era solidarity into a broad-based partnership spanning health, education, culture and diplomacy.
Speaking at the anniversary celebrations, Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Douglas Mombeshora said Cuban support has played a pivotal role in strengthening Zimbabwe’s healthcare system, particularly through medical training and specialist development programmes.
“This solidarity demonstrated that in times of crisis, cooperation and shared humanity matter more than distance or differences,” Dr Mombeshora said.
He noted that the partnership had reinforced the importance of investing in resilient public health systems and international collaboration built on mutual respect.
“Going forward, we remain committed to expanding this collaboration, particularly in primary healthcare, specialist training and rural health services, so that no community is left behind,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora added that Zimbabwe is keen to deepen cooperation in research and innovation to ensure both countries continue learning from each other while adapting to emerging global health challenges.
“Together, we will continue building a resilient, inclusive and people-centred health system that serves the needs of all our citizens,” he said.
Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Elio Rodríguez Perdomo paid tribute to generations of Cuban medical professionals who have served in Zimbabwe, describing them as symbols of Cuba’s longstanding commitment to international solidarity.
“They are a testament to the humanist vocation of the Cuban Revolution and its unwavering commitment to stand with those most in need,” he said.
Mr Rodríguez Perdomo said several Cuban doctors currently serving in Zimbabwe have undertaken multiple international missions, contributing significantly to healthcare delivery.
“Their track record includes thousands of lives saved, but above all, the certainty of having been useful to their homeland and to other human beings, without distinction of race, ideology or religion,” he said.
He also paid tribute to the late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, whom he described as the architect of Cuba’s international medical cooperation programme.
Against the backdrop of growing global challenges, Mr Rodríguez Perdomo called for stronger international cooperation and multilateral engagement.
Quoting Cuba’s Foreign Affairs Minister at the United Nations Security Council, he said: “The time has come for a broad international coalition, reaching beyond political differences, ideological approaches and historical disputes, to set limits to and prevent the excesses that threaten and harm the national interests, the peoples and the sovereign prerogatives of all States.”
Zimbabwe and Cuba’s relationship dates back to the 1970s liberation struggle and has remained anchored in mutual solidarity, shared development goals and longstanding diplomatic cooperation.
Four decades after the first Cuban medical teams arrived in Zimbabwe, both nations say the partnership remains a vital pillar in efforts to improve healthcare delivery and strengthen people-to-people relations.
