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Russia sends medicines to Cuba’s regions affected by Hurricane Irma

Russian Ambassador to Cuba, Mikhail Kamynin, handed over two medical modules with medicines, supplies and equipment

HAVANA, December 16. /TASS/. Russia has sent a batch of humanitarian aid through the World Health Organization (WHO) to the inhabited communities in Cuba affected by the devastating Hurricane Irma, which hit the country in early September.

Russia’s aid

On Friday, Russian Ambassador to Cuba, Mikhail Kamynin, handed over two medical modules with medicines, supplies and equipment for emergency medical care to employees of the Havana-based Camilo Cienfuegos hospital. "Now we hand over the first, symbolic part of the assistance that was delivered to Cuba on the initiative of the WHO with Russia’s financial support. I wish good health to all patients in your hospital and want to emphasize that Russia has always supported the Cuban people in the most difficult times," Kamynin said.

The Cuban side warmly thanked the Russian government for providing the equipment and medicines pointing to the country’s significant contribution to efforts to deal with the aftermath of the hurricane.

WHO Representative in Cuba Cristian Morales told TASS that the medical modules would be delivered to five hospitals in the provinces most affected by the hurricane. According to Morales, every medical module contains medicines to cater to the needs of 10,000 people for three months.

Hurricane Irma

Irma was the most powerful hurricane in the Atlantic over at least the past decade. On September 8-10, it swept through virtually all Cuba’s northern coast. The whole country was affected by its consequences.

Irma claimed 10 lives in Cuba and caused serious damage to its economy. Thousands of houses were submerged, the entire island was left without power for several days. Great damage was inflicted on agriculture and tourism infrastructure.

The Russian Emergencies Ministry delivered more than 1,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Cuba.