US sanctions Brazil health officials over Cuba's overseas medical missions
asianewstoday.com -- Friday, August 15, 2025, 12:46:04 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: U.S. Elections & Voting Rights, Foreign Policy & International Relations, Presidential Campaigns
WASHINGTON, Aug 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) -- The United States has announced it is revoking the visas of Brazilian, African and Caribbean officials over their ties to Cuba's programme that sends doctors abroad, which Washington has described as "forced labour".
The US named two Brazilian Ministry of Health officials, Mozart Julio Tabosa Sales and Alberto Kleiman, who have had their visas revoked for working on Brazil's Mais Medicos, or "More Doctors" programme, which was created in 2013.
In a statement on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said sanctions were imposed on officials "involved in abetting the Cuban regime's coercive labour export scheme", which he claimed "enriches the corrupt Cuban regime and deprives the Cuban people of essential medical care".
"The Department of State took steps to revoke visas and impose visa restrictions on several Brazilian government officials, former Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) officials, and their family members for their complicity with the Cuban regime's labour export scheme in the Mais Medicos programme," Rubio said.
In an earlier statement, Rubio also announced visa restrictions for African officials, without specifying the countries involved, as well as the Caribbean country Grenada, for the same reasons.
The Cuban government has called Washington's efforts to stop its medical missions a cynical excuse to go after its foreign currency earnings.
Cuba's deputy director of US affairs, Johana Tablada, said its "medical cooperation will continue".
"[Rubio's] priorities speak volumes: financing Israel genocide on Palestine, torturing Cuba, going after health care services for those who need them most," Tablada wrote on X.
Cuba's international missions are sold to third countries and serve as a main source of foreign currency for the economically isolated nation, which has been subject to decades-long crippling sanctions by the US.
Havana's international medical outreach goes back to the years following the 1959 Cuban Revolution, as Fidel Castro's communist government provided a free or low-cost medical programme to developing nations as an act of international solidarity.
It is estimated that Havana has sent between 135,000 and 400,000 Cuban doctors abroad in total over the past five decades.
Brazilian Minister of Health Alexandre Padilha said his government would not bow to what he called "unreasonable attacks" on Mais Medicos.
Cuba's contract in the programme was terminated in 2018 after then-President-elect Jair Bolsonaro questioned the terms of the agreement and Cuban doctors' qualifications.
Washington is already engaged in a heated diplomatic row with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's government after imposing sanctions on Brazilian officials involved in Bolsonaro's ongoing trial over his alleged coup plot in 2022.
Cuba's healthcare system is public and meant to be universally accessible. But decades of sanctions and a downturn in tourism due to Trump's travel ban mean the one-party state is no longer medically self-sufficient.
Since returning to the White House, the Trump administration has resumed its "maximum pressure" campaign against Cuba that typified his first term.
Last year, the island nation of 9.7 million people could not afford the $300m needed to import raw materials to produce hundreds of critical medicines.
In July, Trump imposed sanctions against Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces Alvaro Lopez Miera, and Minister of the Interior Lazaro Alberto Alvarez Casas for their "role in the Cuban regime's brutality toward the Cuban people".
Earlier, the Trump administration also signalled its intention to tighten visa restrictions on Cuban and foreign officials linked to Havana's medical missions around the globe.
Rubio described the medical programme as one where "medical professionals are 'rented' by other countries at high prices", but "most of the revenue is kept by the Cuban authorities".
In 1999, after Hugo Chavez's Bolivarian revolution in Venezuela, Cuba sent medical staff and educators to the country. In return, Cuba bought Venezuelan oil at below-market prices, developing the idea of Havana exporting medical professionals as a source of revenue.
Some 30,000 Cuban medical workers were sent to Venezuela in the first 10 years of the "Oil for Doctors" programme.
Cuba later received hard currency to set up permanent medical missions in countries including South Africa, Brazil, Ecuador and Qatar.
Sign Our PetitionThe recent announcement of US sanctions against Brazilian health officials tied to Cuba’s international medical missions is emblematic of a broader geopolitical struggle that transcends mere diplomatic tensions. The US government's characterization of Cuba's overseas medical program as "forced labor" is not only a misrepresentation but also a strategic move to undermine a humanitarian initiative that has roots in the Cuban Revolution of 1959. This latest episode highlights the ongoing battle over narratives surrounding healthcare, solidarity, and the political machinations that often distort the realities faced by marginalized communities in both Latin America and the Caribbean.
Historically, Cuba's international medical missions have been a cornerstone of its foreign policy, showcasing the island's commitment to international solidarity. Since the early years following the revolution, Cuba has sent thousands of healthcare professionals to assist developing nations facing healthcare crises. This initiative was not merely a self-serving endeavor; it was interwoven with the principles of solidarity and mutual aid that many leftist movements espouse. The US's portrayal of these missions as exploitative denies the agency of the Cuban government and its healthcare professionals, who view their work as both a moral obligation and an exercise in international cooperation. By imposing sanctions, the US not only disrupts these humanitarian efforts but also attempts to delegitimize Cuba's role as a leader in global healthcare, particularly in the Global South.
The sanctions were announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a figure known for his hardline stance against Cuba. His statements reflect a broader pattern of US foreign policy that seeks to isolate nations that challenge its hegemony. The rhetoric surrounding "forced labor" is particularly insidious, as it seeks to paint a caricature of Cuba's healthcare system while ignoring the context of decades of US sanctions that have severely crippled the nation’s economy. These sanctions have led to shortages in essential goods, including medical supplies, and have placed a tremendous burden on the Cuban population. The application of punitive measures under the guise of humanitarian concern raises questions about the true motivations behind US foreign policy in Latin America.
In Brazil, the Mais Médicos program, which brought Cuban doctors to underserved areas, was a response to an acute healthcare crisis exacerbated by systemic inequalities within the country. The sudden termination of this program under President Jair Bolsonaro was met with widespread criticism, particularly as it disproportionately affected rural and impoverished communities. The current Brazilian government, led by Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, is attempting to reinstate these vital healthcare services despite US interference. Lula's administration must navigate a complex political landscape, where domestic health policies are continuously undermined by external pressures, particularly from a US government that prioritizes ideological alignments over the health and welfare of the Brazilian populace.
The broader implications of these sanctions and the rhetoric surrounding them extend beyond Cuba and Brazil. They serve as a reminder of the historical legacies of colonialism and imperialism that continue to shape global health disparities. The US, while condemning a program that has significantly improved healthcare access in various nations, simultaneously ignores its own role in perpetuating inequalities through its economic policies and sanctions. The destruction of health services in Cuba and the undermining of Brazil's healthcare initiatives are not merely acts of diplomacy; they are acts that directly impact human lives. As advocates for social justice, it is crucial to contextualize these events within the framework of global solidarity and the right to health, challenging the narratives that seek to vilify compassionate medical missions in favor of geopolitical maneuvering.
In conclusion, the US sanctions against Brazilian health officials involved in Cuba's overseas medical missions highlight a complex interplay of humanitarian ideals, political ideology, and international relations. The historical context of Cuba's commitment to providing medical assistance globally underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of these issues. As the world grapples with health crises exacerbated by political strife, it is imperative to advocate for policies that prioritize human dignity and solidarity over punitive measures and ideological posturing. The struggle for healthcare access and equity is intrinsically linked to broader movements for social justice, and it is essential to challenge narratives that seek to undermine these efforts in the name of geopolitical interests.
The recent decision by the United States to impose sanctions on Brazilian health officials involved in the Mais Medicos program, which collaborates with Cuba's international medical missions, reveals a troubling pattern of interventionist policies that prioritize geopolitical posturing over global health and humanitarian needs. The revocation of visas for officials like Mozart Julio Tabosa Sales and Alberto Kleiman underscores a broader strategy crafted under the guise of "human rights" that ultimately undermines the very healthcare services that millions rely upon in Brazil and beyond. By framing Cuba's medical cooperation as "forced labor," the U.S. is not only mischaracterizing a program that has served those in need but also perpetuating a narrative that serves to isolate and vilify a nation already grappling with the consequences of long-standing sanctions.
Historically, Cuba has played a significant role in international healthcare, especially since the Cuban Revolution of 1959. The country's commitment to providing medical assistance to developing nations is not merely a product of political ideology; it is rooted in a philosophy of solidarity and humanitarianism that has led to the deployment of thousands of doctors worldwide. This outreach has served as a lifeline for many communities facing health crises exacerbated by poverty and lack of access to medical services. The U.S. approach, which seeks to delegitimize Cuba's contributions while disregarding the impact on affected populations, represents a stark departure from the collaborative spirit that is essential for addressing global health challenges, particularly in a post-pandemic world.
As Americans concerned about the implications of such sanctions, it is vital to understand the interconnectedness of global health and foreign policy. Advocacy for a more humane foreign policy that recognizes the value of international medical cooperation should be a priority. This can be achieved through grassroots movements that promote awareness of Cuba's medical missions and the essential role they play in global health equity. Engaging in dialogues that challenge the prevailing narratives surrounding Cuba can help shift perceptions and foster a more inclusive approach to international healthcare that prioritizes human needs over political agendas.
Moreover, it is essential to hold our government accountable for its actions that undermine the health and well-being of vulnerable populations abroad. Writing to elected representatives, participating in rallies, and supporting organizations that advocate for equitable healthcare access can amplify the message that the U.S. should not impose punitive measures that hurt people instead of addressing the root causes of health disparities. Additionally, educational initiatives that inform the public about Cuba's healthcare achievements and the detrimental effects of U.S. sanctions can cultivate a more informed citizenry that advocates for change in foreign policy.
In the face of these challenges, it is crucial to remain vigilant and committed to a vision of healthcare that transcends borders. Solidarity with global health initiatives, particularly those that emerge from nations like Cuba, reflects a broader commitment to social justice and equality. By fostering a collective understanding of the importance of healthcare as a universal right and advocating for policies that promote cooperation rather than division, we can work toward a future where health is prioritized over political rivalry, ultimately benefiting humanity as a whole.
The recent sanctions imposed by the United States on Brazilian health officials due to their involvement in Cuba's overseas medical missions highlight critical issues surrounding international healthcare cooperation, humanitarian aid, and geopolitical tensions. Here’s a detailed list of ideas and actions that individuals can take in response to these events:
### What Can We Personally Do About This?
1. **Educate Yourself and Others:** - Stay informed about the implications of U.S. foreign policy on global health initiatives and the impact of sanctions on countries like Cuba and Brazil. Share articles, documentaries, and books that provide deeper insights into these issues.
2. **Engage in Dialogue:** - Discuss these topics with friends, family, and community members to raise awareness about the importance of healthcare accessibility and international cooperation.
3. **Support Humanitarian Organizations:** - Contribute to or volunteer with organizations that provide healthcare support and advocate for global health equity.
### Exact Actions We Can Take
1. **Petition Campaigns:** - **Petition to Lift Sanctions on Cuba:** Join or create a petition calling for the U.S. government to lift sanctions that hinder Cuba's ability to provide medical aid internationally. - Example: Create a petition on platforms like Change.org or Care2. - Suggested text: "We urge the U.S. government to reconsider its sanctions on Cuba which prevent essential medical aid from reaching vulnerable populations. Let’s support international solidarity in healthcare."
2. **Write to Elected Officials:** - Contact your representatives to express your opposition to these sanctions and advocate for more supportive international healthcare policies. - **Who to Write to:** - **U.S. Senators** (Find your senators at [senate.gov](https://www.senate.gov)) - **U.S. House Representatives** (Find your representative at [house.gov](https://www.house.gov)) - **Sample email content:** ``` Subject: Opposing Sanctions on Cuban Medical Missions
Dear [Senator/Representative's Name],
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent sanctions imposed on Brazilian health officials involved in Cuba’s medical missions. These sanctions not only harm international cooperation but also deny critical healthcare services to those in need. I urge you to advocate for policies that support global health initiatives rather than undermine them.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Email] ```
3. **Social Media Advocacy:** - Use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to raise awareness about the situation. Share your opinions using hashtags related to international healthcare and solidarity (#HealthForAll, #CubaSolidarity).
4. **Support Legislative Initiatives:** - Encourage your local and state legislators to support bills that promote international healthcare cooperation and oppose sanctions on nations providing medical services.
5. **Attend Community Events:** - Participate in or organize local discussions, forums, or webinars focusing on the implications of foreign policy on global health.
6. **Engage with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):** - Collaborate with NGOs that focus on healthcare equity, such as Doctors Without Borders or Partners In Health. Support their initiatives financially or through volunteer work.
### Suggested Contacts for Advocacy
- **U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren** - Email: [contact form](https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact) - Mailing Address: 2400 JFK Federal Building, 15 New Sudbury Street, Boston, MA 02203
- **U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez** - Email: [contact form](https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/contact) - Mailing Address: 1233 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
By taking these steps, individuals can contribute to a broader movement advocating for equitable healthcare access and the protection of international medical collaborations.