More than 200 Cuban health professionals are expected to arrive in South Africa on Sunday to help the country in its fight against Covid-19, according to Cuban Ambassador Rodolfo Benitez Verson.

The 217 members of the "Medical Brigade" include family physicians, epidemiologists, biologists, healthcare technology experts, engineering experts, biotechnology experts and other specialists, the embassy said in a statement.

"In response to the request made by the government of the Republic of South Africa, the government of Cuba has decided to support the great efforts that are currently made by South Africa in containing and arresting the spread of the coronavirus," the embassy said.

Extensive knowledge

It said the professionals were "carefully selected" and that they possess extensive knowledge of the planning, execution and management of clinical cases and public health response.

"They will be deployed in different provinces of the country in accordance with the strategic plans elaborated by the Department of Health."

The deployment of the experts will help to flatten the curve quicker, the embassy said.