HAVANA, March 6, 2026 — Cuba has strongly condemned Jamaica’s decision to end a decades-long medical cooperation agreement, accusing Kingston of yielding to pressure from Washington in a move that Havana says will leave ordinary Jamaicans without vital health services.
In an official statement issued by Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Cuban government said it was notified on March 4 by Jamaica’s Foreign Ministry of the unilateral decision to terminate the health cooperation agreement that has linked both nations for decades.
“Cuba regrets the decision of the government of Jamaica to cease medical cooperation, yielding to pressure from the U.S.,” the statement read, adding that Washington is “not concerned about the health needs of the Caribbean brothers.”
A Partnership Spanning Generations
The termination brings to an end one of the longest-running bilateral health programmes in the Caribbean. Over the past 30 years alone, more than 4,700 Cuban health professionals have served in Jamaica. At the time of the split, the Cuban Medical Brigade was made up of 277 professionals actively embedded within the Jamaican health system.
Cuba says the results of that collaboration speak for themselves — more than 8.1 million patients treated, over 74,000 surgical procedures performed, 7,170 births attended, and more than 90,000 lives saved.
Through Operation Miracle, a vision care initiative active in Jamaica since 2010, the sight of nearly 25,000 Jamaicans has been restored or improved. Cuban personnel also played a significant role in controlling diseases such as malaria and in supporting Jamaica’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brigade Stood Firm Through Hurricane Melissa
Cuba pointed to the Brigade’s conduct during Hurricane Melissa as a testament to their dedication. As the storm severely battered the island, Cuban health workers reportedly stayed at their posts — many working more than 72 consecutive hours — and actively assisted in the recovery of hospitals and communities.
Cuba Recalls Brigade, But Leaves Door Open
In direct response to Jamaica’s decision, Cuba announced the return of the Cuban Medical Brigade, framing it as a sovereign choice rather than a hostile act. The departing health workers, Havana said, leave behind “an indelible mark” and return home with “the satisfaction of a duty fulfilled.”
Despite the rupture, Cuba’s statement closed on a conciliatory note, reaffirming its commitment to the Jamaican people and pledging that its “selfless cooperation” would remain available to them — a signal that while the formal agreement is over, Havana does not consider the broader relationship finished.
Source: Statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, via @EmbaCubaUS, March 6, 2026.
