Cuban Medicine

Cuba includes pneumococcal vaccine in National Immunization Program

Cuba includes pneumococcal vaccine in National Immunization Program

The Cuban National Health System will begin using the Pneumosil 10-valent pneumococcal vaccine for all infants born this year, starting September 9

Author:  | internet@granma.cu

august 30, 2024 12:08:53

The Cuban National Health System will begin using the Pneumosil 10-valent pneumococcal vaccine for all infants born this year, starting September 9, announced Lena López Ambrón, director of the National Immunization Program of the Ministry of Health, at a press conference yesterday.
López Ambrón explained that all babies born between January 1 and June 30 of this year will be vaccinated, which is about 27,500 babies.
Likewise, those born in the month of July who reach two months of age, the date established for the first dose to be administered in the vaccination program, will be vaccinated, she said.
The vaccination program, she said, consists of the application of a first dose, after two months a second dose will be applied and seven months later a third booster dose will be applied.
The director of the National Immunization Program stressed that the side effects that can occur with this vaccine are the common ones: muscular discomfort, redness or inflammation of the site where the injection was administered, fever or chills, and there is a very low risk of presenting allergic reactions.

Photo: UnicefCuba

She commented that during the first week of September, the directors of immunization and of the Mother and Child Program will be trained on the characteristics and methods of application of Pneumosil 10 valente, with the participation of experts from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
She added that from the indicated date, mothers and fathers should go with their children of the indicated ages to the vaccination centers in their health areas.
WHY VACCINATE AGAINST PNEUMOCOCCAL DISEASE?
López Ambrón said that the vaccine is the most effective measure to prevent the disease.
She added that with the inclusion of Pneumosil 10 valente in the vaccination scheme of the Island, this reaches 17 immunologicals, of which 12 are of national production, for the pride of Cuban biotechnology.
She explained that this pneumococcal vaccine prevents ten of the main serotypes in circulation – 1, 5, 6a, 6b, 7f, 9v, 14, 19a, 19f and 23f – which cause invasive pneumococcal diseases, mainly severe cases of acute meningitis, pneumonia or sepsis.
The doctor noted that Pneumosil has no contraindications with other immunizers in the program, such as pentavalent and bivalent oral polio vaccine.
The purchase of this vaccine was made possible thanks to support from the Global Vaccine Alliance and PAHO.

Cuban Economy

Updated Regulations on the activity of non-state economic actors

Updated Regulations on the activity of non-state economic actors

The regulations are part of the government’s plans to correct distortions and stimulate the economy

Author:  | informacion@granmai.cu

august 20, 2024 11:08:18

Photo: Ricardo López Hevia

This Monday, the Official Gazette of the Republic, in its 78th regular edition, published six decree-laws, two decrees and 11 resolutions of different agencies related to the activity of non-state economic actors.
Lázara Mercedes López Acea, president of the National Institute of Non-State Economic Actors – an entity created by Decree 108 – expressed that these normative provisions are the result of a broad process that began in 2023, and provides for the updating of several laws in force since 2021 related to non-state economic actors.
She added that this update is part of the Government’s projections to correct distortions and revive the economy, and has been consulted with all agencies of the Central State Administration, territorial governments, municipal administrative councils and a representation of economic actors.
On the basis of all the opinions expressed – she said – the regulatory provisions have been updated to maintain the possibility of self-employment activities (TCP), the creation of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (mipymes), as well as non-agricultural cooperatives (CNA).
The norms provide for tax and accounting modifications for non-state actors, as well as to the normative provisions on the exercise of self-employment, as well as its contraventions; the activities not authorized for TCP, mipymes and CNA; the creation of the National Institute of Non-State Economic Actors; and updates to the bidding procedure, among others.

Cuba US Blockade

Cuba, from the Global South, denounced the coercive measures impacting development

Cuba, from the Global South, denounced the coercive measures impacting development

The Cuban Foreign Minister pointed out that it is imperative to articulate a new international economic order and reformulate the current financial architecture

Author:  | internet@granma.cu

august 19, 2024 09:08:12

Photo: Cubaminrex

The impact of the suffocating economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States Government on Cuba, which the people have been enduring for over six decades, was the main denunciation made by the member of the Political Bureau of the Party and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, at the Third Summit of the Voice of the Global South.
During the virtual meeting hosted by India, the Cuban Foreign Minister stated that such coercive measures, intensified since 2019, constitute a “serious obstacle to the full achievement of the country’s economic and social development.”
He reiterated that the inclusion of the Antillean nation in the arbitrary and fraudulent list of alleged state sponsors of terrorism only reinforces the effects of such inhumane policy, and expressed gratitude for the international community’s support shown through the rejection of this system of measures.
Furthermore, he conveyed gratitude for the invitation to the forum, highlighting it as a space “to discuss and channel the efforts of developing nations in addressing the enormous challenges amidst a complex international context.”
He called on nations to multiply solidarity and cooperation in the face of coercion, unilateralism, and selfishness, recalling that these core values and principles defined Cuba’s presidency of the G-77 + China in 2023.
Rodríguez Parrilla emphasized that during that time, it was demonstrated that “when we act cohesively, developing countries are a relevant actor and a weighty interlocutor in defense of the interests of our peoples.”

Venezuela verses Imperialism

Venezuela rejects statements by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Venezuela rejects statements by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

The Venezuelan Parliament, in a meeting this Tuesday, decided to approve a set of laws to protect the population from hate, terrorism and the dissemination of fascist ideas in social networks

Author:  | internet@granma.cu

august 15, 2024 09:08:51

Photo: Internet

CARACAS, Venezuela.— The Venezuelan Parliament, in a meeting this Tuesday, decided to approve a set of laws to take care and protect the population from hate, terrorism and the dissemination of fascist ideas in social networks, declared the president of the National Assembly (AN), Jorge Rodríguez.
These are the Law of Control, Performance and Financing of Non-Profit Organizations and the Law against Fascism, Neo-Fascism and Similar Expressions. The latter had been presented in April by the Executive Vice-President, Delcy Rodríguez.
After the parliamentary meeting, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urged the Venezuelan Government “not to adopt these or other laws that undermine the civic and democratic space of the country.” He also referred to alleged “arbitrary detentions” and the “disproportionate use of force by law enforcement agencies.”
In view of these “intemperate declarations,” the Chancellor, Yván Gil issued a communiqué in which he rejects them “in the strongest terms.”
He emphasized that the High Commissioner deliberately omits the condemnation of the terrorist and fascist events that took place during the presidential elections.
Finally, he reiterated his call for Turk “to desist from his provocative attitude, to cease his brutal attack against Venezuelan institutions and to take the side of the victims of the ultra-right-wing violence that, using fascist methods, has tried to inflict harm on the Venezuelan population.”