Cuba During COVID-19 and the Vaccination Progress

Pictured here is a photo taken by Roberto Leon in a Cuban medical facility. The woman on the left applied to be a part of a vaccination trail and is receiving the Cuban Soberana 2 COVID-19 vaccine. Cuba recently has been manufacturing and testing multiple vaccines on the COVID-19 virus as they are not receiving outside vaccines. If their trials continue to function properly, Cuba may be one of the first countries to completely vaccinate their population. COVID-19 has made an impact on the island country, but it has not been as significant of a toll as in other Latin American countries such as Brazil or Argentina. The isolated nature of the country, combined with a strong central state-run program means potential beneficial outcomes in vaccine production and distribution could be realized. Of course, this doesn’t fix the many other issues that the Cuban government causes. Cuba chose to produce their own vaccine, primarily to sell their vaccine to other developing countries. In the context of US sanctions and other economic problems, selling the vaccine could prove beneficial to the Cuban economy.

This photo was most likely produced in order to inform the world and especially English-speaking audiences on the vaccine situation in Cuba in 2021. There does not appear to be a specific narrative other than providing information. The development and trials of vaccines in Cuba demonstrate how the remnants of the revolution and reaction eras of Latin America still have massive impacts on Latin American societies today. Due to the U.S. embargo and forced isolation of Cuba, Cuba today must rely on their own development. The vaccine rollout there is a prime exemplification of this, as Cuba is reliant on this development for economic growth and foreign relations going into 2021.

Works Cited

Beaubien, J. (2021, March 25). Cuba’s dream: Come for a vacation, get a HOMEGROWN COVID Vaccine. Retrieved April 17, 2021, from https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/03/25/980789381/cubas-revolutionary-dream-making-its-own-covid-vaccine

Matos, O., & Sesin, C. (2021, April 10). Cuba says It’s ‘BETTING it safe’ with its own Covid vaccine. Retrieved April 17, 2021, from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/cuba-says-betting-safe-covid-vaccine-rcna643