Cuba Regrets Jamaica’s Decision to End Medical Cooperation
News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Mar. 9, 2026: In a heartfelt statement, Cuba has expressed deep regret over Jamaica’s recent decision to terminate decades-long medical cooperation between the two nations. This move, they argue, is more about U.S. pressure than the actual health needs of the Caribbean.
A Historic Partnership
Flashback to 2010: Amid the global fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, 140 members of the Henry Reeve International Contingent of Doctors Specialized in Disasters and Serious Epidemics arrived in Jamaica. Their mission? To support the island in its healthcare challenges. Over the years, more than 4,700 Cuban medical professionals have served in Jamaica, providing vital healthcare services in hospitals, clinics, and rural communities.
Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that Jamaica formally notified them on March 4 about the unilateral decision to end the bilateral health cooperation agreement. “With this action, the government of Jamaica yields to the pressures of the government of the United States,” the statement read, emphasizing that Washington is not genuinely concerned about the health needs of Caribbean nations.
Impact on Healthcare
Currently, 277 Cuban healthcare professionals are working across Jamaica, and their departure could create significant gaps in the healthcare system, especially in rural areas where medical resources are already stretched thin. The Cuban medical brigade has treated over 8.1 million patients, performed 74,302 surgeries, and attended to 7,170 births. Their contributions have saved over 90,000 lives, making a tangible difference in the lives of many Jamaicans.
One standout initiative, the Operation Miracle program, launched in Jamaica in 2010, has restored or improved the vision of nearly 25,000 Jamaicans. Cuban doctors have also played a crucial role in disease prevention, malaria control, and COVID-19 response efforts.
Regional Repercussions
Jamaica’s decision is not an isolated incident. Several Caribbean and Latin American nations are facing increasing U.S. pressure to end or modify their medical cooperation agreements with Cuba. Countries like Guyana, The Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Honduras, and Guatemala have already phased out similar arrangements.
The Jamaican government stated that the decision was made after the two sides could not agree on the terms of a new technical cooperation arrangement following the expiration of the previous agreement in February 2023. Despite this, Jamaica expressed sincere appreciation for Cuba’s significant contributions to its health sector.
Voices from the Community
Public sentiment is mixed. Jamaican American actress Sheryl Lee Ralph took to social media, questioning, “Will America now send the doctors so badly needed in Jamaica?” This sentiment resonates with many who recognize the essential role Cuban doctors have played in filling healthcare gaps.
While U.S. officials argue that Cuba’s medical missions exploit healthcare workers by taking a portion of their salaries and restricting their freedom of movement, many Caribbean governments view these programs as vital for maintaining healthcare services in small island states.
Cuba’s Commitment
Cuba has stated that its doctors will leave Jamaica “with the satisfaction of a duty fulfilled.” They reaffirmed their commitment to solidarity with Caribbean nations, insisting that the Jamaican people will always be able to count on Cuba’s selfless cooperation.
As the Cuban Medical Brigade prepares to depart, the question remains: What will this mean for Jamaica’s healthcare system and the broader Caribbean landscape? The geopolitical tensions shaping health cooperation in the region are palpable, and the future of healthcare in Jamaica hangs in the balance.
