As the world rushed to develop COVID-19 vaccines, Cuba’s biotech sector quietly leveraged decades of vaccine expertise to jumpstart its own solutions. Scientists on the Caribbean island—building on a legacy that includes eradicating polio and meningitis—now have four vaccine candidates in clinical trials, positioning the country as an unlikely innovator in the global pandemic response.
Cuba’s approach contrasts with multinational pharmaceutical giants, focusing on cost-effective protein subunit vaccines that could ease distribution in low-income countries. While details remain limited, health officials highlight that 70% of Cuba’s vaccine exports historically target developing nations, suggesting potential for equitable access if trials succeed.
Experts note Cuba’s unique state-run biotech ecosystem, established after the 1980s U.S. embargo restricted medical imports, has enabled rapid mobilization. ‘This isn’t just about science—it’s about sovereignty,’ said a Havana-based researcher, speaking anonymously due to protocol constraints.
The developments come as global vaccine inequality persists, with less than 3% of Africa’s population fully vaccinated. While hurdles remain, Cuba’s progress highlights how localized innovation could reshape pandemic preparedness.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
