Cuban Ambassador Jose R. Cabanas has extended a rare invitation to the Akwesasne Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe to visit Cuba to gather information, and to establish international relations on diabetes treatments.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba, a country rich in ethnic diversity and Indigenous thinking,†expressed Chief Beverly Cook.
“The World Health Organization recognizes Cuba as having one of the most effective public health systems. The intent is that we build a relationship that allows us to access treatment that benefits Native patients to avoid amputation as a result of diabetes. Our initial focus is on Mohawk patients and Six Nations communities with the vision of nurturing a deeper understanding and sharing of cultural practices and protocols.â€
Last December, SRMT Chief Beverly Cook and Chief Eric Thompson were given a unique introduction to the Ambassador to Cuba through Katsi Cook, a Certified Aboriginal Midwife and Program Director for Indigenous Leadership of Indigenous Girls and Women of the NoVo Foundation and Jose Barreiro of the Smithsonian Institution.
Jose R. Cabanas, the Ambassador to the US from Cuba, was impressed with the presentation regarding Akwesasne’s approach to diabetic care and prevention.
The care and prevention of diabetes related complications in Akwesasne are one of our most important health priorities. Throughout Indian Country, Native people experience an 11.4% prevalence of the disease. The community of Akwesasne has a diabetic population of 16.4%.
One of the most severe complications from the disease is diabetic foot ulcer, which impairs wound healing and sometimes leads to amputation. In early 2016, the National Congress of American Indians shared information on a treatment for diabetic ulcer, developed in Cuba.
The treatment, Heberprot-P, is available in 26 countries, but not accessible in the U.S. or Canada.
“Access to Heberprot-P may extend the years and quality of life to people facing diabetic wound complications and amputation,†remarked Chief Eric Thompson.
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council wants to find a way to access Heberprot-P, and to consider other forms of medical treatment, including lung cancer vaccines, developed by the Cuban health system.
Through the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, the group will spend five days touring Cuban medical facilities, research centers and meeting the officials responsible for the medical research programs. They will be traveling April 24 through April 30, 2016. During the tour, the delegation will visit 14 institutions, including the National Institute of Endocrinology, the Latin American School of Medicine and a meeting with the Directors of a bio-tech/pharmaceutical organization, Biocubafarma.
ATV Staff
