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May 21, 2015
Cuba Combating
Ebola in Africa”
Vancouver Welcomes
Revolutionary Internationalist
Cuban Dr. José de
Jesús Portilla!
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On Thursday May 21st, Cuban Dr. José de Jesús Portilla
came to Vancouver for a short, but very successful visit,
as part of a Canada-wide speaking tour organized by the
Canadian Network on Cuba (CNC). This tour focused on
the revolutionary internationalist response of Cuba’s
Medical Brigade in fighting the devastating outbreak of
Ebola in West Africa. The Vancouver event was sponsored
by Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba
(VCSC), the Free the Cuban 5 Committee – Vancouver
and the Canadian Cuban Friendship Association –
Vancouver.
At two events, both held on May 21st, Dr. Portilla inspired
participants as he explained the reasons why Cuba, with
its professional and experienced international medical
missions, quickly rose to the greatest involvement and
leadership in the fight against Ebola. In a lively and
animated presentation, Dr. Portilla spoke not only about
the incredible work of Cuba’s 450 medical volunteers in
the countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, but
also about Cuba’s history of internationalist medical
solidarity and his own experiences as Chief of Cuba’s
medical personnel during Cuba’s international mission in
the former Republic of Congo.
The first event was held at a local high school. Over 150
students attended to hear from Dr. Portilla and learn
more about Cuba’s celebrated internationalist
revolutionary doctors. Next, there was a city-wide event
at the Roundhouse Community Centre with 95 people in
attendance. The evening event came to end with a
special live music performance with Maria Luisa
Melendez, a Salvadorian musician and social justice
activist, who moved the crowd with her beautiful songs.
From the hills of Pakistan to the island of Haiti, from
West Africa to Nepal, Cuba sends doctors to every part
of the world where they are needed most. The tour of
Dr. Portilla to Vancouver was a great opportunity to
educate people in Vancouver about how revolutionary
Cuba is leading the way for humanity and human rights
when it comes to international solidarity!
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