Reply #7: Doctors Urge U.S. to Accept Cuba's Offer

[Say_What]

Tell that to the survivors of the hurricane who have loved ones in need of medical care or those who have relatives that DIED because nobody prepared for getting them out of harms way and then waited days before sending help.

You really ought to do a bit of research before making such ignorant statements.

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ATLANTA, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- A prominent U.S. medical group voiced
"deep concern" over delays in health care and epidemic prevention reaching
Katrina victims, and urged U.S. authorities to accept Cuba's offer of 1586
disaster-trained physicians to prevent a "second wave of sickness and death."
Latest reports indicate the U.S. State Department is backing away from the
offer, implying they are not needed.

"Up to this point, there been a clear need for more medical help for
Katrina victims," said Peter Bourne, MD, Chairman of MEDICC and former special
adviser on health in the Carter White House and former Assistant Secretary
General at the United Nations. "The Cuban physicians are accustomed to working
in difficult third-world conditions without the resources and supplies most of
us are accustomed to. Since they are just an hour away, it is a shame that
they have not been allowed to join our committed medical corps already."

He is joined by other physicians, medical educators, international health
experts and a former U.S. surgeon general associated with MEDICC, Medical
Education Cooperation with Cuba. From 1998 through 2004, MEDICC has provided
medical electives in Cuba for nearly 1000 students and faculty from 118 U.S.
medical, public health and nursing schools.

"Cuba has been recognized by the UN, Oxfam and other international
organizations as a leader in disaster response, expertise that could be saving
lives now," said Doctor William Keck, former long-time director of the Akron,
Ohio Department of Public Health.

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-07-2005/0004102379&EDATE=

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Weathering the Storm
Lessons in Risk Reduction from Cuba

Cuba is a case study in successful disaster risk reduction. At the national level, Cuba's disaster legislation, public education on disasters, meteorological research, early warning system, effective communication system for emergencies, comprehensive emergency plan, and Civil Defense structure are important resources in avoiding disaster. At the local level, high levels of literacy, developed infrastructure in rural areas and access to reliable health care are crucial for national efforts in disaster mitigation, preparation and response. Weathering the Storm: Lessons in Risk Reduction from Cuba presents a comprehensive overview of the Cuban model of risk reduction in disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery, and explores what may be adapted from this model in other countries. The report focuses on specific recommendations for Central America.

http://www.oxfamamerica.org/newsandpublications/publications/research_reports/art7111.html/?searchterm=cuba%E2%80%9C