Havana, December 9 (RHC)-- The University of Havana today presented the Special Life Symbol Award to the Henry Reeve International Brigades, recognized as an example of Cuba's efforts to increase health cooperation with other nations.

The rector, Miriam Nicado, gave the award to the Director of Science and Technological Research of the Ministry of Public Health, Ileana Morales, during the opening ceremony of the III International Seminar Dialogues on Human Rights.

Nicado praised the contingent for facing disasters and severe epidemics globally since its foundation in 2005 on the initiative of the historical leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro.

She said that the health personnel belonging to the Henry Reeve defends the human right to health, peace, humanism, and solidarity.

She highlighted that until August of this year, the brigades assisted more than 40 countries. In different missions, nearly nine thousand professionals assisted four million people and saved 89 thousand lives.

The President of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, recently stated that in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, more than 50 medical brigades supported the fight against the disease in 39 countries and territories, which joined those already serving in 59 nations.

Neither the unjust economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States on the island, nor the constant attempts by that government to discredit medical cooperation, will prevent Cuba from continuing its solidarity and altruistic work, Ileana Morales affirmed.