For Public Health Professionals attending the American Public Health Association's (APHA) 125th Annual Meeting & Exposition Nov 9-13, 1997:

Participate in The Session Discussing the Health Impact of the Embargo of Cuba:

Session # 3188 : Sanctions
Wednesday November 12 2:15 p.m.- 3:35 p.m.
Sponsor: Peace Caucus

Presider: Ann Behrman, MD
2:15: Eric Hoskins, MD, DrPH, MPH, FRCPC
2:35: Richard Gardfield, RN, DrPH
2:55: Cuba and the Embargo - Calen Frolkis
3:15: Discussion

Statement from American Public Health Association

Statement By Diane Kuntz

Staff Associate For International Health

American Public Health Association

Press Conference On May 2, 1996, Lawn Of U.S. Capitol

The American Public Health Association -- representing over 50,000 members -- works to protect the health of people in the United States and around the world. Public health professionals who have served in other countries have long held up the Cuban health care system as a model.

In Cuba all citizens have a right to high quality health care, to education, to day care, and to other social services. The infant mortality rate, life expectancy, and other health indicators in Cuba match those in the world's richest countries. While other countries - including the U.S. - respond to economic problems by cutting back on resources for health, Cuba has steadfastly maintained its commitment to health.

It is often said that Cuba is no longer a threat to the U.S. But that's not true. It is a threat. The threat lies in the example Cuba offers -- an example of a country with the political will to provide good health care to all its citizens.

The U.S. is fighting this threat -- using food, medicine, and medical supplies as weapons. In part as a result of the embargo, many essential products are in short supply in Cuba. Soap, laboratory equipment, textbooks -- all kinds of basic goods are scarce. Cuban doctors must count every pill and measure every drop of medicine they dispense. Cuban citizens -- especially children and elderly people -- are suffering the consequences of our government's policy.

The computers that were confiscated by the Treasury Department are vital components of Cuba's health care system. Many of the computers were donated by members of the American Public Health Association.

It is time to end this inhumane policy and cruel embargo -- this attack on the health of an entire population. The American Public Health Association salutes the fasters, who symbolize the conscience of America. We urge the Administration to release the computers, and we call on Congress to end its war on Cuba.

Diane Kuntz

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