Rural health in Cuba: family doctor and the 'One Health' paradigm in the Turquino
Keywords:
Una Sola Salud; Médicos de Familia; Atención Primaria de Salud; Salud Rural; Plan TurquinoAbstract
Introduction: The 'One Health' paradigm is essential to addressing the interconnected health challenges of the 21st century. The Cuban Plan Turquino, with its health system grounded in Primary Health Care, is an ideal setting for its implementation.
Objective: To argue for the leading role of the Family Doctor and Nurse in operationally materializing the 'One Health' approach in the mountainous communities of Plan Turquino.
Methods: A qualitative analysis was conducted based on a review of the scientific literature, national statistical reports (2019-2024), and the authors' experience in the Cuban health system.
Author's Stance: The model's tangible achievements in 2024 are evident: an infant mortality rate of 4.8, zero maternal mortality, more than 6.5 million medical consultations, and 35.8 million rehabilitation treatments. Challenges persist in infrastructure, access to supplies, and health transportation. The Primary Health Care professional is identified as the natural manager who integrates human, animal, and environmental health. Their unique community position enables them to serve as an epidemiological watchdog, a promoter of holistic health, and an intersectoral coordinator with the agricultural and veterinary sectors, overcoming structural limitations.
Conclusions: The Family Doctor is the pillar for advancing 'One Health' in the Cuban mountains. Strengthening their role through supportive policies, formal recognition of their leadership, and differentiated resource allocation is crucial to the sustainability of this comprehensive rural health model.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Yagen Maria Pomares Perez, Victor Lorente Díaz, Marleannis Fernández Cobas, Amarilys Alonso Madero, Niover Antonio Hidalgo Benítez, Omar Milian Ramírez, Gerchis Cruz Iribar, Odalys Bravo Téllez, Gustavo Sánchez Fernández, Tania Yanet Avila Cantallops, Joaquín González Reyaldo
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