Cuba: ELAM Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary
Since its founding, ELAM has graduated 31,180 doctors from over 120 nations, many from impoverished or conflict-affected communities. More than 1,080 graduates are Brazilian, and currently, there are over 20 Brazilian students from the Landless Workers’ Movement (MST) studying at ELAM. Nov 15, 2024 Photo: Brasildefato
November 15, 2024 Hour: 6:11 pm
The celebration coincided with the 25th anniversary of ELAM, an institution that annually welcomes young people from various nations with the purpose of training doctors who can strengthen health systems in their home countries.
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On Friday, November 15, the © concluded in Havana, bringing together more than 300 delegates and 250 guests, including doctors and students from approximately 100 countries.
Under the motto “Guardians of life, creators of a better world,” the event served as a forum for scientific exchange and aims to be a significant step towards the establishment of an international medical and scientific organization composed of ELAM graduates.
The celebration coincided with the 25th anniversary of ELAM, an institution that annually welcomes young people from various nations with the purpose of training doctors who can strengthen health systems in their home countries.
Luther Castillo Harry, one of the first graduates of ELAM and current Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Honduras, emphasized in his inaugural speech that “we have the opportunity to create the largest scientific organization in the world.” He added that “each one must be an ambassador of the Cuban Revolution,” stressing that “the possible is only achieved by fighting against the impossible.”
Since its founding, ELAM has graduated 31,180 doctors from over 120 nations, many from impoverished or conflict-affected communities. More than 1,080 graduates are Brazilian, and currently, there are over 20 Brazilian students from the Landless Workers’ Movement (MST) studying at ELAM.
In a recorded message, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel sent his greetings to the congress, explaining his absence due to recovery efforts following hurricanes Oscar and Rafael. He referred to attendees as “Cuban children born in other lands” and expressed his emotion at seeing how graduates contribute to health in their countries.
The president also highlighted that medical work with disadvantaged communities reflects “the legendary faith in humanity and the value of solidarity” promoted by Fidel Castro.
Leandro Araújo, a Brazilian doctor who graduated in 2009, commented on his return to Cuba for this meeting, noting that it represents “putting hope above all.” Araujo explained that they have been working on creating an International Medical Association for ELAM graduates, focused on the solidarity and internationalist values promoted by the school.
The Latin American School of Medicine was inaugurated by Fidel Castro on November 15, 1999, during an Ibero-American summit. Its creation was a response to a severe humanitarian crisis in Central America and the Caribbean following devastating hurricanes. Besides sending military aid, Cuba opted to establish an international medical university to train local professionals.
ELAM has enabled hundreds of students to access free education through scholarships, extending its reach to various regions worldwide. Fidel Castro emphasized in a famous speech that Cuba “does not send bombs or weapons but rather doctors committed to saving lives.”
Autor: MLM
Fuente: teleSUR - Gabriel Vera Lopes
