Cuba Sends Doctors, the US Sends Sanctions : Helen Yaffe / Jacobin

Exchange of messages by Tom Miller and Kul Gautam

From Tom Miller

Confirming Helen Yaffe's observations in "Cuba Sends Doctors, the US sends sanctions" is the attached letter written by the late Dr. Paul Farmer, who, joining Congresswoman Barbara Lee, nominated Cuban doctors and medical workers for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008. Today, they are more deserving than ever. Doctors I've known who have participated do not consider their service exploitative or a sacrifice on their part.
Tom Miller, President, Green Cities Fund

Note by Kul Gautam: As I describe in my memoir (page 69) Tom Miller was a UNICEF consultant who worked briefly with Martin Sandberg, who was then the Chief of the Indo-China Penninsula Liasion Group (IPLG) when Harry Labouisse launched the big Indo-China relief operation in 1973. They both interviewed and hired me to work with UNICEF in 1973.

Kul   

(See Kul's reply below the article summary)

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Summary
On February 25, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa restrictions targeting Cuban officials and others involved in Cuba’s overseas medical-assistance programs. This move, part of broader U.S. efforts to undermine Cuba, threatens healthcare for millions in underserved regions, as Cuba’s medical missions operate in more countries than the WHO.

The U.S. claims these programs constitute human trafficking, but Cuba’s medical diplomacy—dating back to the 1960s—has provided free healthcare in 180+ countries, trained thousands of foreign doctors, and saved millions of lives. Cuba invests a higher share of its GDP in international medical aid than any other country, despite economic hardships caused by U.S. sanctions.

Critics argue the U.S. seeks to sabotage Cuba’s global influence rather than address human rights concerns. If these efforts succeed, vulnerable populations worldwide will lose vital medical care, while Cuba loses a key source of income.

Reply by Kul Gautam

Dear Tom, 

I did not know Paul Farmer had nominated the International Cuban Medical Brigade for the Nobel Peace Prize way back in 2007. 

I think they deserve the Nobel prize even more today given their continued and inspiring life-saving medical diplomacy. I have myself witnessed the Cuban doctors providing great service in several countries. 

In light of the Trump administration's efforts to demonize their noble mission as "human trafficking" and worse, it would be very fitting if the Norwegian Nobel Institute were to recognize their exemplary work with a Nobel Peace Award. 

One would need to find some eligible person or institution to nominate them for the Nobel Peace Prize. I wonder if Jim Kim who was co-founder of the Partners in Health along with Paul Farmer - and both of whom worked in Haiti - would be willing to sponsor the nomination. Having been a former President of the World Bank, former President of Dartmouth College and a senior official at WHO, Kim would have some gravitas to bring in a few other prominent nominators for the Prize. 

Let's give it some more thought.... 

Kul