US sanctions Brazil health officials over Cuba’s overseas medical missions
Summary
The United States has revoked visas for Brazilian, African, and Caribbean officials over their involvement in a Cuban program that sends doctors abroad, which the U.S. describes as "forced labor." Brazilian officials Mozart Julio Tabosa Sales and Alberto Kleiman were among those affected due to their work on the Mais Medicos program. This move is part of a broader U.S. effort to counter Cuba's overseas medical missions.Key Facts
- The U.S. revoked visas of officials from Brazil, Africa, and the Caribbean linked to Cuba's medical programs.
- The Mais Medicos program began in 2013 in Brazil to bring in Cuban doctors.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused these programs of benefiting the Cuban government at the expense of Cuban citizens.
- Cuba's deputy director of U.S. affairs stated that Cuba will continue its international medical cooperation.
- U.S.-Cuba relations remain tense, with ongoing efforts by the U.S. to restrict Cuba's access to foreign revenue.
- Brazil's health minister expressed resistance to U.S. actions against the Mais Medicos program.
- The program with Cuba ended in Brazil in 2018 after concerns raised by then-President-elect Bolsonaro.
- Cuba's international medical missions have been a vital source of foreign currency for the country.
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