US imposes visa restrictions on Brazilian officials for working with Cuban medical mission
The State Department action reflects White House efforts to punish both Cuba and Brazil, which President Donald Trump has sought to pressure over trade and its effort to prosecute former President Jair Bolsonaro for trying to stay in office despite his defeat in the 2022 election.
Cuba has for decades sent doctors abroad to provide medical care in less-developed nations in exchange for badly needed hard currency. The State Department said dozens of doctors reported being exploited as part of the program, which was administered through the Pan American Health Organization and Brazil's health ministry.
The State Department said it also moved to revoke or restrict the visas of officials in Cuba, Grenada and Africa for involvement with Cuba's overseas medical missions.
Cuban officials pointed out the benefits of the programs, highlighting how the country's doctors treated millions of patients in over 3,600 Brazilian municipalities.
Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio defended its efforts to provide medical care abroad, saying in a social media post that the country's programs 'are absolutely legitimate' and help to alleviate suffering.
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Brazil's Bolsonaro rejects coup allegations in final court statement
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