KINGSTON, Jamaica. Tuesday, December 20, 2022: The Jamaica/Cuba Eye Care
Programme is set to undergo a rigorous assessment ahead of its restart in the New
Year. A technical team inclusive of Ophthalmologist & Cuban Coordinator for the
Programme, Dr. Mayra Chaveco, and Biomedical Engineer, Leandro Valazquez arrived
on the island on Monday (December 19, 2022).
The team will assess equipment, medication and other medical sundries for the restart
of the Programme, and will remain in the Island until the programme resumes in
January 2023.
Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP, Minister of Health and Wellness underscored the
importance of the programme while also expressing his gratitude towards the technical
team.
“Eye care service was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and we are pleased to
bolster our efforts with our bilateral partner. This is one of the areas that the partnership
with Cuba would have been geared towards addressing and I want to extend my
gratitude towards all the members of the technical team and Government and people of
the Republic of Cuba, for coming as we look to improve ophthalmology care on the
island”, the Minister said.
The technical team will be joined by other members of Cuban Delegation in January
and are expected to stay on the island for approximately three years.
Ms. Natasha Biggs (second right), Programme Coordinator for the Jamaica Cuba Eye Care Programme and Mr. Fermin Quinones (right) Cuban Ambassador to Jamaica, welcome to Jamaica, from left: Mr. Leandro Valazquez, Bio Medical Engineer and Dr Mayra Chaveco Almanza, Opthalmologist and Cuban Coordinator for the Programme. The team is here to carry out a full assessment of the Jamaica/Cuba Eye Care Programme.
