The Chicago-based University of Illinois Cancer Center is partnering with the Cuban Ministry of Health to collaborate on improved care delivery systems to be used in both countries.
Cuban health officials visited the cancer center and met with leaders from the university and various public advocacy organization to discuss ways in which both countries can improve healthcare practices for residents in underserved communities. Officials focused on examining the U.S. healthcare system's approach to maternal and infant health and cancer screening and prevention.
After a week-long stay in Chicago, Cuban officials met with community leaders Jan. 13 to discuss community-based healthcare practices they may bring back to Cuba, as well as certain Cuban initiatives the city of Chicago may incorporate to improve residents' health and wellness.
The partnership is funded by a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to UICC.
"The Cuban health system does preventive health very, very well, and they do it without a lot of money. We are hoping to work with our Cuban counterparts to identify practices that have worked for them, and also let them observe some of the ways we deliver healthcare that may be very different from how they operate, in the hopes that this exchange will lead to improved health for populations in both our countries," said Robert Winn, director at the University of Illinois Cancer Center.