Enrique Estrada Lobato (Photo:PL)
By María Josefina Arce
Despite the material and financial limitations caused by the US blockade, Cuba's efforts have allowed it to make progress in the use of nuclear technology, with applications in various fields such as medicine, which has had a great impact on the health of the population.
In fact, it has been recognized as one of the most relevant Latin American and Caribbean nations in this field for its achievements and contribution to development in this area.
Enrique Estrada Lobato, Program Officer of the Human Health Division of the International Atomic Energy Agency, emphasized in Havana that Cuba's development in this area has allowed the training of highly qualified professionals, not only from the country, but also from other Latin American countries.
In the Greater Antilles, the application of this technology in radiotherapy against cancer, a disease that constitutes a health problem for mankind, from which our country does not escape.
At present, its use has been extended to the diagnosis of this disease, based on the analysis of blood samples.
It is also used in the radio sterilization of biological and medical products, including tissues for implants and raw materials for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
The Caribbean nation has also advanced the application of nuclear technology in other areas, such as the environment.
For example, studies of the marine environment and atmospheric pollution by aerosols have been developed.
In agriculture, it has been used to assess soil degradation due to erosion and to improve certain crops.
Over the years, Cuba has participated in some 140 ARCAL projects, the Regional Cooperation Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean.
These initiatives have allowed the training of human capital, the exchange of experience with specialists in the region and the transfer of technology.
Cuba has always been committed to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and has opted for its use in various fields to contribute to its economic and social progress.
