A closer look at Cuba’s public health model that prioritizes population health

Abstract

As the largest Caribbean island, Cuba is known for its picturesque Havana boardwalk, musical rhythms, and tropical climate. A closer look at the national public health model that integrates care for Cuban citizens, however, is fundamental to learn and adapt lessons learned and best practices to bridge knowledge-practice gaps within global health systems. In this visual essay, the author explores connections between photography and community health, illustrating an invaluable story about a primary care workforce, supported by the health system infrastructure, dedicated to achieve high-quality community health for citizens. She shares photographs coupled with narrative elements to showcase the population health model of Cuba, one Latin America and Caribbean country that has received international recognition for achieving universal health care to residents. She weaves words and images to portray her experiences of completing clinical rotations in tuberculosis prevention and control at the ‘Pedro Kourí’ Tropical Medicine Institute and surrounding public health institutions in the capital city of Havana.