New Cuban pharmaceuticals presented
The prevalence of skin cancer in Cuba and the development of therapeutic injectibles to treat allergies caused by dust mites, were among issues discussed during several international conferences on dermatology and allergies, taking place in Havana’s International Conference Center, October 4-7

Author: Nuria Barbosa León | internet@granma.cu
october 6, 2017 14:10:40

Dr. Olaine Gray Lovio, recommends avoiding the sun during the hours of greatest intensity, between 10:00am and 5:00pm; wearing clothes of pastel colors that almost entirely cover the skin; using hats and parasols to protect the face; and applying sunscreen.

Photo: Nuria Barbosa
The prevalence of skin cancer in Cuba and the development of therapeutic injectibles to treat allergies caused by dust mites, were among issues discussed during several international conferences on dermatology and allergies, taking place in Havana’s International Conference Center, October 4-7.

Dr. Olaine Gray Lovio explained to the press, prior to the events, that malignant growths on the skin are among the most prevalent cancers on the island, given the tropical climate and strong solar radiation during a large part of the day.

Every year in Cuba, approximately 8,000 cases of this disease, described as basal or squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma, are diagnosed, causing some 400 deaths. Emphasis is therefore being placed on reducing direct exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, especially in the first 20 years of life.

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Cuba registers new skin cancer medicine
Cuba has registered Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Center (CIGB)a new skin cancer medicine called “Heberferon” developed by the island’s
Author: Cubadebate | internet@granma.cu
september 1, 2016 18:09:03

Photo: Cubadebate
After 20 years of research and clinical trials, Cuba’s Havana-based Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Center (CIGB) has developed a new medicine called “Heberferon.”
BiologistIraldo Bello, who participated in the process, described the drug which combines interferón “Alfa” and interferón “Gamma” through the use of recombinant technology at the CIGB – as “unique” in the world. 
The injectable medication cures or reduces the size of malignant skin tumors and can prevent scaring from surgery in areas difficult to operate on such as the face, noted the specialist. 
Bello also explained that Cuba has a high rate of skin cancer, which is usually caused by excessive exposure to the sun.
CIGB production plants have already manufactured over 10,000 vials of the new medicine, which continues to be developed with the aim of treating other types of cancer. Meanwhile the next step will be to include Heberferon on the island’s list of basic medicines, he stated.
The CIGB also produces the complementary lung cancer medication “Cimavax EGF”, which is applied alongside conventional treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy, and despite not providing a cure, does help to manage the disease and improve the patient’s quality of life, above all, of those whose condition is in the advanced stage.
Another outstanding product developed by Cuba’s biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry is “Heberprot-P,” a medicine to treat diabetic foot ulcers and avoid amputations, as well as drugs against hepatitis B and meningitis.

Half a million infants to receive polio vaccine in upcoming campaign
Since 1962, 85 million doses of polio vaccine have been administered in Cuba, making the country the first in Latin America to eradicate the disease

Author: ACN | informacion@granma.cu
march 24, 2016 08:03:34

Photo: Anabel Díaz

Since February 26, 1962, to date, 85 million doses of polio vaccine have been administered in Cuba, making the country the first in Latin America to eradicate this devastating childhood disease
The entire population under 68 years of age has been protected, according to Dr. Marlén Valcárcel, director of the Ministry of Public Health’s (Minsap) National Immunization Program, reported ACN, with children under three years of age being immunized initially as infants, plus a subsequent booster.
The doctor reported that during the second stage of the 55th national campaign, March 28 through April 3, a second dose of the vaccine will be administered orally to almost half a million children, 372,856 under the age of three.

Young Americans grateful for the opportunity to study medicine in Cuba
Young people for the U.S. studying medicine in Havana welcomed news of the visit by President Obama to Cuba, and hope that the rapprochement between the two countries is mutually beneficial.

Author: Nuria Barbosa León | informacion@granma.cu
march 8, 2016 10:03:22

ELAM students Shaneen Whyte, Patrick Daley and Jontay Darko. Photo: Orlando Perera (courtesy of ICAP)
Young people for the U.S. studying medicine in Havana welcomed news of the visit by President Obama to Cuba, and hope that the rapprochement between the two countries is mutually beneficial.

“I hope that during this visit March 21 and 22, there is an open and sincere dialogue, with agreements that are good for the two peoples,” Jontay Darko, a 5th year medical sciences student at the Salvador Allende Faculty in Havana, told Granma International. The faculty forms part of the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM), which has graduated more than 24,000 health professionals from 84 countries, in its over 15 years of existence.

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