Havana
Havana (/həˈvænə/; Spanish: La Habana, [la aˈβana] ( listen)) is the capital city, largest city, province, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba.[3] The city proper has a population of 2.1 million inhabitants,[2][3] and it spans a total of 728.26 km2 (281.18 sq mi) – making it the largest city by area, the most populous city, and the fourth largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean region.[2][4] The city extends mostly westward and southward from the bay, which is entered through a narrow inlet and which divides into three main harbours: Marimelena, Guanabacoa and Atarés. The sluggish Almendares River traverses the city from south to north, entering the Straits of Florida a few miles west of the bay.[5]
The city of Havana was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century and due to its strategic location it served as a springboard for the Spanish conquest of the continent, becoming a stopping point for treasure-laden Spanish galleons returning to Spain. King Philip II of Spain granted Havana the title of City in 1592.[6] Walls as well as forts were built to protect the old city.[7] The sinking of the U.S. battleship Maine in Havana's harbor in 1898 was the immediate cause of the Spanish–American War.[8]
Contemporary Havana can essentially be described as three cities in one: Old Havana, Vedado and the newer suburban districts. The city is the center of the Cuban government, and home to various ministries, headquarters of businesses and over 90 diplomatic offices.[9] The current mayor is Marta Hernández of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).[10] In 2009, the city/province had the third highest income in the country.[11]
The city attracts over a million tourists annually;[12] the Official Census for Havana reports that in 2010 the city was visited by 1,176,627 international tourists,[12] a 20% increase from 2005. Old Havana was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.[13] The city is also noted for its history, culture, architecture and monuments.[14] As typical of Cuba, Havana also features a tropical climate.[15]
In May 2015, Havana was officially recognized as one of the New7Wonders Cities together with Vigan, Doha, La Paz, Durban, Beirut, and Kuala Lumpur.[16]
Universidad Ciencias Medicas De La Habana
Facultad de Ciencias Medicas "Salvador Allende"
We live in an increasingly globalizing and multicultural world with huge wealth- and health disparities. This requires medical doctors with a broad view and vision to deal with the health challenges that these developments are creating.
At the same time there is a growing consensus that strengthening primary care and prevention are essential elements of effective and affordable health care. Like Erasmus already stated in the beginning of the 16th century: “prevention is better than cure” In this sense in July 2014 WHO-chair Margaret Chan recognised Cuba as an example for all countries in the world
The Cuba minor provides a unique opportunity for you to see, feel and take part in daily life and
medical care of a middle income country with a totally different political system and culture .
Cuba is also a country that has put a strong emphasis on education and made prevention and community care cornerstones of its health care system. This combination makes it an excellent learning place for well‐prepared students.
Students from the Minor Global Health 2017 will join the Facultad de Ciencias Medicas "Salvador Allende", part of the Universidad Ciencias Medicas De La Habana.
