The numerous initiatives of direct support to the relevant sectors and other solidarity actions show that the momentum of the members of the Lombardy Coordination of the Italy-Cuba National Friendship Association (ANAIC) has not slowed down, even though the twinning agreement with the eastern province of Las Tunas has just celebrated its 28th anniversary.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- "Right now, we are organizing the shipment of approximately 400 kilograms of medicines and instruments for the health system of this territory," said Franco Tonon, ANAIC coordinator in Lodi. "Along with these pallets, he announced, 30 batteries will be sent for the computed tomography (CT) scanner at the Doctor Ernesto Guevara General Teaching Hospital, whose operations are experiencing difficulties, resulting from the U.S. economic blockade that hinders the acquisition of spare parts."
This latest visit of our Italian friends follows others made in 2024 as the result of a broad and determined effort on their part to raise funds among citizens, non-state entities, and non-governmental organizations in their country aware of Cuba's right to shape its own destiny.
Although the activists won’t make their traditional visit in 2025 as part of the Giovanni Ardizzone volunteer work brigade, Tonon emphasized that they are raising funds to purchase pacemakers for cardiac patients in Las Tunas hospitals and contributions to cover the care required by pediatric cancer patients. "To inform, raise awareness of Cuba, and collect donations, we will hold several celebrations and public initiatives throughout the Lombardy region, where a 2026 calendar will also be distributed, featuring images and stories of Cuban women who contributed to and supported the great experience of the Cuban Revolution," he explained.
He highlighted another of the most important actions underway since the end of 2024 in three provinces of the Lombardy región, which they intend to extend to another seven this year: the convening of public meetings with the participation of Cuban doctors from the Henry Reeve medical contingent, who have been providing assistance in Calabria for several months.
"Thanks to their work, he emphasized, "several hospital departments in this southern Italian region continue to operate. Until their arrival, they suffered from a severe shortage of healthcare professionals, which caused serious problems in providing care to the population."
Tonon pointed out that "The presence of the Antillean doctors there is highly appreciated by the Calabrian population and also constitutes a notable symbol of Cuba's identity, because its principles of solidarity and internationalism are not just words but concrete actions.”
"Let's think about how important it is for our country, a country that calls itself one of the most developed in the world, to have to ask for help from a country in the so-called Third World because its economic and social rules, its capitalism, do not allow helping its citizens with the important problems of life," he concluded.
March 27th marked the 28th anniversary of the twinning of Las Tunas and Lombardy; ties of friendship that have not only directly benefited more than two hundred health, education, and cultural institutions on the Balcony of Eastern Cuba, but have also forged links of mutual understanding of very different social and economic realities.
"The financial and moral contributions, the volunteer work of the Giovanni Ardizzone Brigade, are deeds that go beyond the infinite gratitude for everything, in addition to the unconditional support for the Cuban people and our Revolution," expressed the Las Tunas Delegation of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) on the occasion.
