Havana, January 16 (RHC)-- Cuban Science Day was celebrated in Havana with numerous achievements and honors that highlight the scientific and technological development which support transformations in all aspects of society.

The scientific potential, together with the large number of highly-qualified professionals from universities, contributes to the socio-economic development of our population, said Adela Haber, delegate of the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment in Havana, during the national event held to celebrate this date.

According to the official, in 2018 more than 2,678 research, development and innovation projects were carried out, most of which have contributed to solving territorial problems, such as food production.

Positive results were obtained in environmental management for sustainable development, said the delegate, referring to finding new alternatives for the control of the giant African land snail, as well as the drafting of projects related to the Havana seawall problems.

Regarding the social and human development priorities, Haber mentioned as achievements the implementation of strategic prevention capacity in companies and organizations management system, as well as the innovative management of local development to strengthen social equity.
In terms of health, she highlighted the assimilation of new technologies, the detection of hidden infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus in risk groups, and the contribution of new evidence of resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs in Cuba.

Regarding biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry, the Cuban official highlighted the introduction of the Rituximab CD20 Biosimilar Antibody for cancer, as well as the development of SUMAutoLab, an automatic analyzer designed to be used in neonatal research programs.

The Carlos J. Finlay Award, granted by the Council of State, was also presented to 38 prominent scientific personalities for their merits and contributions to the country's socioeconomic development, as well as to the Marta Abreu Central University in Villa Clara, to be certified as an Institution of Excellence.