International ecumenical leaders expressed their solidarity with Cuba on Saturday in Havana, voicing concern over the economic and energy policies that the current U.S. administration has implemented against the island.

During a visit to the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology (INOR) in the capital, the delegation learned details about Cuba's National Cancer Program — a disease that ranks as the second leading cause of death in the Caribbean nation, after heart-related conditions.

The Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock, Secretary General of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, stated that the visit allowed him to witness firsthand the consequences of that hostile policy on the healthcare system, particularly its effect on cancer patient treatment. Speaking to the press, he said he was impressed by Cuba's globally recognized achievements in healthcare, while equally struck by the implications that the tightening of the U.S. blockade has had on the sector.

He noted that among the objectives of the pastoral visit were showing solidarity with the Cuban people, raising awareness of the situation being imposed on the island, and identifying ways to expand and strengthen the support of the religious community.

Rev. Jihyun Oh, Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) — known as PCUSA — expressed gratitude for the opportunity to observe the impact of her community's pastoral work on the island and to witness Cuba's efforts, along with its healthcare staff, to sustain medical services for the population. "These experiences," she said, "facilitate the creation of new policies and initiatives to defend every person's right to health, food security, and a dignified life."

At INOR, the visitors were briefed by officials from the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) and the medical institution on the effect that Washington's maximum pressure policy has had on the fight against cancer. The delegation also toured the center's pediatric ward.

Carlos Alberto Martínez, head of the Cancer Control Division at MINSAP, stated that the White House measures "deepen a blockade that has lasted more than six decades against Cuba." He noted that these actions significantly hinder the acquisition of reagents, medical equipment and supplies, and medications, as well as the development of programs for the early and effective detection and treatment of the disease.

Also participating in the visit were Rev. Michael Blair, General Secretary of the United Church of Canada, and Rev. Jimmie R. Hawkins, Director of Advocacy for the Office of Public Witness in Washington, D.C., and the United Nations Office of PCUSA.

The delegation, which will remain in Cuba for several days, also includes the Secretary General of the World Council of Churches, Rev. Jerry Pillay; the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Anthony Poggo; and the Secretary General of the World Methodist Council, Rev. Reynaldo Ferreira Leao Neto.