Havana, September 28 (RHC) – The Cuban Ministry of Health issued an official statement Tuesday evening, saying that the country will continue its participation in the Mais Médicos (More Doctors) program with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Brazil, 'as long as the guarantees offered by the current Brazilian authorities are in place.'

Given that the agreement signed in 2013 between Havana and Brasilia was due to expire, and in the midst of recent events in Brazil, Cuba sent a government envoy, who met in May with then President Dilma Rousseff and her predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, about the program's continuity.

According to the ministry statement, Rousseff said the medical program should continue because it had become a valuable asset of the  Brazilian people. Rousseff commended the work of the Cuban health professionals, saying it was further evidence of the generosity of the Cuban government and people.

"Lula, meanwhile, said the program was rooted in the culture of Brazil and should continue," added the statement.

Since its launching in 2013, more than 11,000 Cuban doctors have participated in the Mais Médicos program, representing 83% of the health professionals participating. The initiative has benefited some 40 million Brazilians, particularly low-income families with a positive impact also on the country's health indicators.

The Cuban Health Ministry said that over 4,000 Cuban doctors will continue to provide the Brazilian people with free medical attention.