Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. Photo: Archive. RHC.

By María Josefina Arce

On the "International Biotechnology Day", the Cuban scientific community deserves great recognition for having achieved, even in the midst of the obstacles imposed by the U.S. blockade for more than 60 years, that Cuba occupies a prominent place worldwide in this branch of science.
  
The achievements of researchers in the Greater Antilles are unquestionable and have had an impact in several areas, especially in the health of the population, which has benefited from effective biotechnological products.
  
For example, since the 1990s, hepatitis B vaccine has been massively applied free of charge to newborns in our country, while the National Vaccination Program includes immunosuppressants produced in our country.
  
Long is the list of medicines born of the effort, dedication and high qualification of our researchers that have helped prevent and improve the quality of life of many Cubans affected by certain ailments.
   
For many Cubans and citizens of other nations, suffering from diabetic foot ulcer, HEBERPROT-P, the only one of its kind in the world, has meant a before and an after. Its application has made it possible to reduce the amputation of lower limbs.
  
During the COVID 19 pandemic, the contribution of our scientists was decisive, since many of the drugs produced in prestigious institutions of the country were used in the treatment of those infected with the virus.
  
Another milestone of Cuban science was the obtaining of the anti-COVID immunogens Abdala, Soberana 02 and Soberana Plus, achieved in the midst of a tightening of the economic siege, thanks to an immense effort and commitment to the welfare of citizens.
  
These vaccines are effective and safe, and their application, together with the protocols implemented by the health authorities, made it possible to control the disease in the national territory.
  
The Greater Antilles, besides being among the 10 countries with a high immunization coverage against the disease caused by the coronavirus, became the first country in the world to vaccinate its children from two years of age.
  
But our researchers also made possible the creation of SUMA equipment, Ultra Micro Analytical System, technology that, experts emphasize, allowed Cuba to become the first nation free of vertical transmission of HIV and the second in America with full coverage for congenital hypothyroidism in newborns.