Cuba Salud 2025: A space for science, innovation and the wellness of the world

By Yoanna Cervera

From April 21 to 25, 2025, the Havana International Conference Center will be the epicenter of the 5th International Convention Cuba Salud 2025, an event that brings together experts, leaders and representatives from more than 50 countries to discuss the global challenges of public health. The event coincides with the 16th “Health for All” Trade Fair and the 2nd International Medical and Wellness Tourism Fair (FITSaludCuba), consolidating itself as the main event of the sector in the country and one of the most important at the international level.

The convention, sponsored by prestigious national and international organizations, has as its main objective to discuss public health management models at the global, regional and local levels. In this edition, emphasis will be placed on the strengthening of health systems in the post-COVID-19 stage, as well as on the adoption of public policies focused on the sector, with emphasis on the paradigm of “Una Sola Salud,” which integrates human, animal and environmental health, according to the organizers, who informed the accredited national and foreign press.

Cuba Salud 2025 will be attended by more than 13,000 people from over 50 countries, including 45 high-level delegations led by ministers of health, according to Ileana Morales Suárez, executive secretary of the International Health Conventions and director of Science, Technology and Innovation at the Cuban Ministry of Public Health. She also stressed that, “The scientific program includes more than 400 activities, including around 30 specialized events, such as the First National Una Sola Salud Congress, symposiums on maternal and child health, personalized medicine, nano and bio-nano medicine, and the 15th Congress of Medical Informatics, focused on artificial intelligence and intelligent hospitals.”

In addition, 18 books by Cuban authors will be launched at a publishing fair, and there will be high-level panels and speeches with international leaders. Virtual participation will also be key, with more than 2,200 registered Cuban delegates and scientific contributions from various countries, Morales Suárez added.

The 16th “Health for All” Trade Fair, which stands out for its focus on innovation and self-sustainability, will also serve as a motivational space as part of this broad program. Armando Garrido, president of Medicuba S.A., highlighted: “This fair takes place in a complex economic context, but it is self-financed thanks to the participation of more than 520 suppliers and 24 international markets. It is a space where science and technology become exportable solutions, generating income that strengthens Cuba’s National Health System. An example is the introduction of Chinese pacemakers, which not only represent a commercial option, but also an advanced technological alternative.”

“China is guest of honor and the participation of 11 companies from the Asian country and 20 other collaborating entities is expected,” the executive highlighted during the exchange. “The fair introduces new business modalities, such as the sale of goods on consignment, reflecting Cuba’s commitment to modernize its healthcare system.”

The 2nd International Medical and Wellness Tourism Fair (FITSaludCuba) will also be a unique moment to promote health and wellness tourism in the Caribbean archipelago. Yamila de Armas, president of the Cuban Medical Services Marketing Company (CSMC), explained that, “This fair represents an ecosystem where science, innovation and the knowledge economy converge to offer concrete solutions. It is a direct bridge to solve the problems of the National Health System, generating income that will bring resources to the country. In addition, this year it will be a preamble to the International Tourism Fair, creating a direct thread between both initiatives.” The event will address key issues such as the use of health insurance, global trends in wellness tourism and the importance of offering sustainable solutions. It will also highlight the participation of strategic markets such as Russia, the Eurasian Community and the Caribbean, with a special focus on China.

“Cuba Salud 2025 is not only a space for scientific and commercial debate, but also for the conclusion of agreements and the signing of collaboration agreements.” The CMSC president added: “This event allows us to close deals, update portfolios and relaunch foreign investment opportunities in the health sector. We will see the presence of key figures such as Eugenie Chernochen, president of the Russian Academic Medical Tourism Association, and Zhao Chen, deputy director of the China-Latin America Industrial Park Project, who will be keynote speakers at the foreign investment forums.”

The convention will include an International Medical and Wellness Tourism Seminar, where global trends will be studied and the exchange of experiences between countries will be promoted. In addition, vital topics such as sustainable tourism management and the importance of connecting health and wellness will be addressed.