{"id":1874443,"date":"2026-04-09T18:10:01","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T15:10:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1874443"},"modified":"2026-04-09T18:10:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T15:10:01","slug":"cuba-accuses-us-of-extorting-latin-america-by-forcing-countries-to-cancel-doctors-deals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1874443","title":{"rendered":"Cuba accuses US of &#8216;extorting&#8217; Latin America by forcing countries to cancel doctors deals"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/64\/96\/1200x675_cmsv2_e9867e56-d7c2-54f0-b6b0-86d365e16f10-9716496.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2885039-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885039\" data-cid=\"9716569\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885039-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/69\/189x106_cmsv2_42937e4f-a429-50e6-a601-4d4b91273399-9716569.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A rescue worker walks in front of residential building which was heavily damaged after a Russian strike in Odesa, 6 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Ukraine<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, Kremlin says\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885037-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885037\" data-cid=\"9716555\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885037-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/55\/189x106_cmsv2_6f871e3f-57a0-5a77-9be8-0d71a761f94d-9716555.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US First Lady Melania Trump arrives to speak with reporters in the Grand Foyer of the White House, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    USA<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US First Lady Melania Trump denies any links to Epstein abuse\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885029-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885029\" data-cid=\"9716534\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885029-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/34\/189x106_cmsv2_b263888a-a509-5439-8f43-0f569b9a7dfc-9716534.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Police stop protesters who are demanding higher salaries, pensions and benefits from continuing their march in Caracas, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Venezuela<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Venezuela police use tear gas against protesters demanding pay rises\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885024-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885024\" data-cid=\"9716517\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885024-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/17\/189x106_cmsv2_4ded0313-f1c0-5a07-bcad-5dcdf77d6b4f-9716517.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A giant Vietnamese national flag is displayed outside a balcony in the old quarter of Hanoi, 30 August, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Netherlands<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU police smash ring smuggling Vietnamese nationals to Europe\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885039-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885039\" data-cid=\"9716569\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885039-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/69\/189x106_cmsv2_42937e4f-a429-50e6-a601-4d4b91273399-9716569.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A rescue worker walks in front of residential building which was heavily damaged after a Russian strike in Odesa, 6 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Ukraine<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, Kremlin says\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885037-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885037\" data-cid=\"9716555\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885037-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/55\/189x106_cmsv2_6f871e3f-57a0-5a77-9be8-0d71a761f94d-9716555.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US First Lady Melania Trump arrives to speak with reporters in the Grand Foyer of the White House, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    USA<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US First Lady Melania Trump denies any links to Epstein abuse\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885029-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885029\" data-cid=\"9716534\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885029-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/34\/189x106_cmsv2_b263888a-a509-5439-8f43-0f569b9a7dfc-9716534.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Police stop protesters who are demanding higher salaries, pensions and benefits from continuing their march in Caracas, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Venezuela<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Venezuela police use tear gas against protesters demanding pay rises\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885024-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885024\" data-cid=\"9716517\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885024-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/17\/189x106_cmsv2_4ded0313-f1c0-5a07-bcad-5dcdf77d6b4f-9716517.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A giant Vietnamese national flag is displayed outside a balcony in the old quarter of Hanoi, 30 August, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Netherlands<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU police smash ring smuggling Vietnamese nationals to Europe\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          News<\/p>\n<p>                          World<\/p>\n<p>                          Cuba<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Cuba accuses US of &#8216;extorting&#8217; Latin America by forcing countries to cancel doctors deals<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/64\/96\/1536x864_cmsv2_e9867e56-d7c2-54f0-b6b0-86d365e16f10-9716496.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Medical workers of the first Cuban medical brigade of the Henry Reeve Contingent at the Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, 8 June, 2020\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Medical workers of the first Cuban medical brigade of the Henry Reeve Contingent at the Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, 8 June, 2020<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspGavin Blackburn\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1775758201\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-04-09 20:10:01 +02:00\">09\/04\/2026 &#8211; 20:10 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-partage-commentaire-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"partage-commentaire-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"twitter\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"flipboard\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Flipboard<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"flipboard\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"send\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Send<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"send\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"reddit\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Reddit<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"reddit\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"linkedin\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Linkedin<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"linkedin\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"messenger\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Messenger<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"messenger\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        According to official figures, some 24,000 Cuban doctors and other healthcare professionals were deployed in 56 countries in 2025.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>Cuba&#8217;s foreign minister accused the United States of &#8220;extorting&#8221; Latin American countries on Thursday by pressuring them to cancel decades-old deals with Havana for the supply of doctors.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Bruno Rodr\u00edguez said the United States was trying to &#8220;strangle&#8221; the economy of the communist island, which earns billions from its foreign medical missions, after several countries stopped deploying Cuban doctors.<\/p>\n<p>Washington says the programme, a major source of pride and income, n Cuba since the 1960s, amounts to forced labour.<\/p>\n<p>The US stance on the doctors&#8217; programme is part of a campaign of maximum pressure on the Cuban regime by President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n<p>Trump has made threats about &#8220;taking&#8221; the island after ousting Venezuela&#8217;s leader Nicol\u00e1s Maduro and attacking Iran.<\/p>\n<p>Countries seeking to maintain strong ties to Washington have started to yield to pressure to pull out of the medical partnerships.<\/p>\n<p>Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, and Guyana have all terminated their agreements with Cuba, which is teetering on the edge of economic collapse, partly due to a US energy blockade.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The US government is persecuting, pressuring and extorting other governments to end the presence of Cuban Medical Brigades in various countries, under false pretences,&#8221; Rodr\u00edguez said on X.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Economic lifeline<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>According to official figures, some 24,000 Cuban doctors and other healthcare professionals were deployed in 56 countries in 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Most are sent to remote areas.<\/p>\n<p>Half were deployed to Venezuela, Cuba&#8217;s top ally for a quarter of a century before the January ouster of socialist president Maduro by US forces.<\/p>\n<p>The programme was projected to generate $7 billion (\u20ac5.9 billion) in earnings for the cash-strapped island last year.<\/p>\n<p>On Tuesday, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights published a report denouncing serious human rights violations in the missions.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/56\/67\/808x539_cmsv2_b1f5eea7-cfbd-52ba-a107-8c5d77201c59-9705667.jpg\" alt=\"People spend the night in the dark on the Malecon during a blackout in Havana, 21 March, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">People spend the night in the dark on the Malecon during a blackout in Havana, 21 March, 2026<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The report accused Cuba of withholding doctors&#8217; wages, confiscating passports and threatening medics with up to eight years in prison if they defected from their jobs abroad.<\/p>\n<p>In an interview with the AFP news agency, IACHR president Edgar Stuardo Ralon said some of the practices could be classified as &#8220;forced labour&#8221; and &#8220;human trafficking.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>According to official Cuban statistics cited in the report, the doctors receive only between 2.5- 25% of what countries pay Cuba for their services.<\/p>\n<p>Cuba has defended the programme as a measure of &#8220;solidarity&#8221; with other countries, designed to bring health services to &#8220;hard-to-reach places.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<footer class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-contributors c-article-contributors-supplementary u-margin-top-2 u-padding-top-2\">\n<p>Additional sources<strong> \u2022 AFP<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<p>                          Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Hundreds of Cuban women stage rally against US blockade as energy crisis deepens<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Russia to send second oil tanker to Cuba as energy crisis continues, Moscow says<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Cuba confirms recent talks with US amid severe energy crisis<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Donald Trump<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    doctors<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Hospitals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Blockade<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Cuba<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    United States <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2885002-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885002\" data-cid=\"9716433\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885002-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/64\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_c6f574ce-cceb-5319-bc2f-47a7a149bcac-9716433.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Men inspect the damage to their home destroyed in an Israeli airstrike a day earlier in Beirut, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Israel&#8217;s cabinet told &#8216;to begin direct negotiations&#8217; with Lebanon<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884975-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884975\" data-cid=\"9716233\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884975-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/62\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_a9d37949-c539-5b43-88c7-afe577024bdf-9716233.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt='Donald Trump has pitched a \"joint venture\" for the Strait of Hormuz.' height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU rejects Trump&#8217;s &#8216;joint venture&#8217; to charge ships through Hormuz<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2885039-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885039\" data-cid=\"9716569\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885039-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/69\/320x180_cmsv2_42937e4f-a429-50e6-a601-4d4b91273399-9716569.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A rescue worker walks in front of residential building which was heavily damaged after a Russian strike in Odesa, 6 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, Kremlin says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2885037-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885037\" data-cid=\"9716555\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885037-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/55\/320x180_cmsv2_6f871e3f-57a0-5a77-9be8-0d71a761f94d-9716555.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US First Lady Melania Trump arrives to speak with reporters in the Grand Foyer of the White House, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US First Lady Melania Trump denies any links to Epstein abuse<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2885029-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885029\" data-cid=\"9716534\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885029-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/34\/320x180_cmsv2_b263888a-a509-5439-8f43-0f569b9a7dfc-9716534.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Police stop protesters who are demanding higher salaries, pensions and benefits from continuing their march in Caracas, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Venezuela police use tear gas against protesters demanding pay rises<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884572-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884572\" data-cid=\"9714163\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Undertourism: The European countries hardly any tourists visit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884568-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884568\" data-cid=\"9714135\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Viral dead air: Artemis II astronauts give Trump the silent treatment<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884726-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884726\" data-cid=\"9715052\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Closing Strait of Hormuz &#8216;completely unacceptable,&#8217; White House says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884839-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884839\" data-cid=\"9715503\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Infantile name calling&#8217;: George Clooney responds to White House slur<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884625-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884625\" data-cid=\"9714403\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Space centres and launch sites around the globe you can visit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885002-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885002\" data-cid=\"9716433\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885002-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/64\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_c6f574ce-cceb-5319-bc2f-47a7a149bcac-9716433.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Men inspect the damage to their home destroyed in an Israeli airstrike a day earlier in Beirut, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Israel&#8217;s cabinet told &#8216;to begin direct negotiations&#8217; with Lebanon<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884975-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884975\" data-cid=\"9716233\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884975-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/62\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_a9d37949-c539-5b43-88c7-afe577024bdf-9716233.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt='Donald Trump has pitched a \"joint venture\" for the Strait of Hormuz.' height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU rejects Trump&#8217;s &#8216;joint venture&#8217; to charge ships through Hormuz<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885039-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885039\" data-cid=\"9716569\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885039-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/69\/320x180_cmsv2_42937e4f-a429-50e6-a601-4d4b91273399-9716569.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A rescue worker walks in front of residential building which was heavily damaged after a Russian strike in Odesa, 6 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, Kremlin says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885037-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885037\" data-cid=\"9716555\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885037-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/55\/320x180_cmsv2_6f871e3f-57a0-5a77-9be8-0d71a761f94d-9716555.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US First Lady Melania Trump arrives to speak with reporters in the Grand Foyer of the White House, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US First Lady Melania Trump denies any links to Epstein abuse<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885029-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885029\" data-cid=\"9716534\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885029-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/34\/320x180_cmsv2_b263888a-a509-5439-8f43-0f569b9a7dfc-9716534.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Police stop protesters who are demanding higher salaries, pensions and benefits from continuing their march in Caracas, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Venezuela police use tear gas against protesters demanding pay rises<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884572-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884572\" data-cid=\"9714163\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Undertourism: The European countries hardly any tourists visit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884568-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884568\" data-cid=\"9714135\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Viral dead air: Artemis II astronauts give Trump the silent treatment<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884726-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884726\" data-cid=\"9715052\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Closing Strait of Hormuz &#8216;completely unacceptable,&#8217; White House says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884839-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884839\" data-cid=\"9715503\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Infantile name calling&#8217;: George Clooney responds to White House slur<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884625-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884625\" data-cid=\"9714403\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Space centres and launch sites around the globe you can visit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Cuba&#8217;s foreign minister accused the United States of &#8220;extorting&#8221; Latin American countries on Thursday by pressuring them to cancel decades-old deals with Havana for the supply of doctors.Bruno Rodr\u00edguez said the United States was trying to &#8220;strangle&#8221; the economy of the communist island, which earns billions from its foreign medical missions, after several countries stopped deploying Cuban doctors.Washington says the programme, a major source of pride and income, n Cuba since the 1960s, amounts to forced labour.The US stance on the doctors&#8217; programme is part of a campaign of maximum pressure on the Cuban regime by President Donald Trump.Trump has made threats about &#8220;taking&#8221; the island after ousting Venezuela&#8217;s leader Nicol\u00e1s Maduro and attacking Iran.Countries seeking to maintain strong ties to Washington have started to yield to pressure to pull out of the medical partnerships.Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, and Guyana have all terminated their agreements with Cuba, which is teetering on the edge of economic collapse, partly due to a US energy blockade.&#8221;The US government is persecuting, pressuring and extorting other governments to end the presence of Cuban Medical Brigades in various countries, under false pretences,&#8221; Rodr\u00edguez said on X.Economic lifelineAccording to official figures, some 24,000 Cuban doctors and other healthcare professionals were deployed in 56 countries in 2025.Most are sent to remote areas.Half were deployed to Venezuela, Cuba&#8217;s top ally for a quarter of a century before the January ouster of socialist president Maduro by US forces.The programme was projected to generate $7 billion (\u20ac5.9 billion) in earnings for the cash-strapped island last year.On Tuesday, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights published a report denouncing serious human rights violations in the missions.The report accused Cuba of withholding doctors&#8217; wages, confiscating passports and threatening medics with up to eight years in prison if they defected from their jobs abroad.In an interview with the AFP news agency, IACHR president Edgar Stuardo Ralon said some of the practices could be classified as &#8220;forced labour&#8221; and &#8220;human trafficking.&#8221;According to official Cuban statistics cited in the report, the doctors receive only between 2.5- 25% of what countries pay Cuba for their services.Cuba has defended the programme as a measure of &#8220;solidarity&#8221; with other countries, designed to bring health services to &#8220;hard-to-reach places.&#8221;<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/04\/09\/cuba-accuses-us-of-extorting-latin-america-by-forcing-countries-to-cancel-doctors-deals&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/64\/96\/1200x675_cmsv2_e9867e56-d7c2-54f0-b6b0-86d365e16f10-9716496.jpg&#8221;] Ukraine Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, Kremlin says USA US First Lady Melania Trump denies any links to Epstein abuse Venezuela Venezuela police use tear gas against protesters demanding pay rises Netherlands EU police smash ring smuggling Vietnamese nationals to Europe Ukraine Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, Kremlin [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1874443","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1874443","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1874443"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1874443\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1874443"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1874443"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1874443"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}