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US sanctions target Cuba's international medical missions program
🇯🇲 Jamaica /Elections & Politics

US sanctions target Cuba's international medical missions program

From Jamaica Observer · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The United States has imposed new sanctions targeting Cuba's international medical missions program, a significant source of revenue for the island.
  • The sanctions target government enterprises involved in the program and Cuba's Health Minister, Jose Angel Portal Miranda.
  • Washington claims the program constitutes "forced labor" and "human trafficking," alleging Cuba exploits workers and confiscates a large portion of their wages.

The United States has announced new sanctions aimed at Cuba's long-standing international medical missions program, a vital source of billions in revenue for the island nation. The sanctions target government enterprises associated with the program, as well as Cuba's Health Minister, Jose Angel Portal Miranda.

This move is the latest in a series of measures by the Trump administration to increase pressure on the communist-run island. Washington has previously imposed restrictions on fuel and other essential supplies, with President Trump reportedly threatening further action. The State Department issued a statement asserting that Cuba's overseas medical missions amount to "forced labor" and "human trafficking."

Cuban officials exploit inherently coercive laws and economic conditions to manipulate or compel workers to join and remain in labor export programs, while confiscating between 50 and 95 percent of the wages paid by receiving countries.

— U.S. State DepartmentStatement detailing the U.S. government's justification for imposing sanctions on Cuba's medical missions program.

According to the U.S. statement, Cuban officials allegedly exploit "inherently coercive laws and economic conditions" to compel healthcare professionals to participate in and remain in these labor export programs. The statement further claims that the Cuban government confiscates between 50% and 95% of the wages paid by the receiving countries for these services.

Official figures indicate that approximately 24,000 Cuban doctors and healthcare professionals were deployed in 56 countries in 2025, often serving in remote areas and providing aid to less developed nations. The program was projected to generate $7 billion for Cuba last year. Cuban statistics cited in a report by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights suggest that doctors receive only between 2.5% and 25% of the fees paid by host countries. The Trump administration had previously pressured the program, leading Cuba's foreign minister to accuse Washington of "extorting" Latin American countries that canceled their medical assistance agreements with Havana.

extorting

— Cuba's foreign ministerAccusation against Washington for pressuring Latin American countries regarding medical assistance deals with Havana.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jamaica Observer in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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