CubaPLUS Magazine

Based on the "One Health" paradigm, the 5th International Health Convention will be held in Havana from April 21 to 25. It will host more than 3,000 participants from 50 countries, confirmed so far.

At a press conference held this Wednesday at the headquarters of the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), the National Director of Science, Technology, and Innovation of that organization, Dr. Ileana Morales Suárez, offered an overview of the major event, during which the 16th Health for All Trade Fair and the 2nd International Medical Tourism and Wellness Fair FITSaludCuba will also be held.

During the four days of the convention, more than 400 scientific activities and over 200 keynote addresses will take place, besides panels, symposia, the Third Forum on Foreign Investment in the Health Sector, and the launch of services, among other events, reported Dr. Morales.

Parallel to the convention, which will be held at the Havana Convention Center, the XVI "Health for All" Trade Fair and the Second International Medical Tourism and Wellness Fair will be held in the halls of Pabexpo fairgrounds, she said. Later, Dr. Morales reported that the occasion will also serve to host the first Cuba-China Science and Innovation Symposium, during which topics related to biotechnology will be analyzed.

Other important moments of the grand event, the specialist explained, will include a publishing house fair, during which 18 titles by Cuban authors on health topics will be presented; the first National One Health Congress, which will address the country's health strategy in all sectors of society, such as agriculture, education, and energy resources, among others; and the closing ceremony, where the "Havana Declaration" will be announced, which will include the main challenges facing global health in the coming years.

Regarding the 16th Health for All Fair (April 21-24), the president of MediCuba, Armando Garrido, reported that the central theme will be Universal Health Coverage and Health Equity, and considered the trade show to be the most important in the sector to date. The fair is expected to feature approximately 11 companies from China, the guest of honor, as well as the signing of over 15 agreements on various aspects of health, he announced.

Another important event at the Convention will undoubtedly be the Second International Medical Tourism and Wellness Fair, dedicated to promoting wellness tourism. According to Dr. Yamila de Armas, president of Comercializadora de Servicios Médicos Cubanos S.A. (CSMC), who reported at the conference, that this event represents a unique space for exchange and innovation in the field of health and wellness.

Attendees will be able to participate in three key events: the Second International Seminar on Medical Tourism and Wellness, the Third International Forum on Foreign Investment in the Health Sector, and the International Health Tourism Award Ceremony for those who have made significant contributions to the service, promotion, and marketing of health and wellness.

For medical professionals, the fair offers a window into how wellness services can improve patients' quality of life, while for tour operators promoting this type of tourism, the exhibition represents a business platform that connects international and local stakeholders to facilitate partnerships that enhance the excellence of the tourism experience, Dr. De Armas stated.

Cuba Salud 2025 is supported by several national and international organizations, including the Pan American Health Organization, UNICEF, and UNDP. Other officials from the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), CSMC S.A., and the national and international press accredited in Cuba also attended the press conference.