In a scenario marked by the intensification of the economic, financial, and commercial blockade imposed by the United States government against Cuba. Science and international solidarity emerge as fundamental pillars of community resistance.
This is demonstrated by the scientific collaboration project between the University of Holguin (UHo) and the University of Almeria (UAL), Spain. Whose most recent academic and human legacy has immortalized in the book “Of Invisible Bridges and Full Hands: Stories of Cooperation with Cuba.”
The work, published in May by the Spanish university’s publishing house. It transcends the limits of technical reports to become a poignant document of denunciation and humanism. Through real-life testimonies from aid workers and beneficiaries, the text highlights the direct and everyday impact of the US embargo. Historically designed to provoke hunger and despair. It contrasts this hostile policy with practices of resistance and the value of mutual aid among peoples.
Coordinated in northeastern Cuba by Professor Lidia María Romero Pupo of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Holguin (UHo). In Spain by the distinguished academic Dr. Juan Carlos Checa Olmos, the research project focuses its efforts on promoting self-care for health.
Moreover the actions are concentrated in vulnerable communities in the province of Holguin. With the aim of preventing metabolic diseases, eating disorders, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Precisely in contexts where social inequalities are exacerbated by the nation’s material limitations.
Cuba, a pioneer in designing policies for equity and shared care, now faces deepened structural challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic. This joint research project focuses on these realities, providing methodological tools to mitigate gender gaps. In the distribution of household and caregiving tasks. Which typically fall disproportionately on women, in line with national plans to move towards a National Care System.
The scientific rigor underpinning this university partnership is strongly represent by Dr. Juan Carlos Checa Olmos, professor at the University of Almeria (UAL). With extensive scientific output in indexed international journals. Such as Healthcare and Nutrients, Dr. Checa has validated scales on youth self-care. Also the prevention of eating disorders in physical education classrooms, and programs for healthy aging.
Also this vast experience is organically integrated into the Cuban public health system. Far from imposing foreign approaches, the cooperation is based on a model of mutual respect and sovereignty. Where the knowledge of both institutions merges to improve the quality of life in Holguin’s communities.
“Of Invisible Bridges and Full Hands” is, in essence, a reflection of the will of a province that does not stop in the face of external pressures. When academia leaves the classroom and enters the neighborhoods to listen to the life stories of delegates, workers, and Holguin families, science is democratize.
This bilateral project between the two universities reaffirms that, despite the walls of isolation, the sovereignty of knowledge and the compassion of our people. It will continue to build unbreakable bridges of health, social justice, and emancipation.
By: Daimy Peña Guillén
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