Operation USA’s overall objective has been to provide Cuba's healthcare system with the materials and the knowledge it needs to realize its potential. The purpose of the Cuban Medical Assistance Program (CMAP) is to help Cuba's children overcome critical shortages of medical supplies resulting from the 46-year long US trade embargo. We are hopeful that the Congress and the Administration will work together for a saner and more compassionate US policy towards Cuba that will not penalize its children. We regret that humanitarian aid for children is still part of the politics of US-Cuba relations, making relief efforts like ours necessary.

Since its inception in September 1998, CMAP has delivered major shipments to pediatric hospitals and other health facilities. Supplies are donated by private companies, hospitals and physicians and are sent to Cuba under license from the U.S.-Departments of Commerce and Treasury.

Shipments to Cuba have included over $2 million worth of antibiotics, neo-natal resuscitation drugs and anti-nausea drugs for children undergoing cancer treatment. In July 1999, a donation of three complete laparoscopy units was sent to J.M. Marquez Pediatric Hospital and the provincial pediatric hospital in Pinar del Rio. In December 1999, Operation USA participated in the first direct flight from Los Angeles to Havana since the trade embargo was imposed in 1960, delivering 700 pounds. of pharmaceuticals on a private jet. More flights followed. The supplies consisted of hospital and clinical material, medical equipment, surgical tables, blood storage equipment, crutches, wheelchairs, birthing beds, sterilizers and bandages.

Our donor companies include major vitamin, pharmaceutical and surgical supply manufacturers. In addition, we have cooperative relationships with a number of professional organizations in the health field, as well as other non-governmental organizations which assist the Cuban people. The Cuba Council of Churches also distributes our supplies to a network of clinics and hospitals throughout Cuba.

Our long-term consignees are Juan Manuel Marquez Pediatric Hospital (Havana), William Soler National Pediatric Hospital (Havana), Centro Havana Pediatric Hospital and each hospital's clinics, as well as counterpart hospitals in the provinces. In addition, the 5,000-student Medical School of the Americas receives Operation USA assistance.

One of the most exciting aspects of our work in Cuba was "Medical Bridges". Representatives from three of Cuba's leading pediatric hospitals visited our Wilmington, California warehouse to select equipment for their facilities and visit Los Angeles-area pediatric hospitals.