For Immediate Release:
[April 14, 2026]
Silver Spring, MD. — The National Medical Association (NMA), the nation’s leading organization representing Black physicians and the patients they serve, will host a timely and urgent webinar titled “Sounding the Alarm: The Health Effects of the Cuban Oil Blockade” on April 15, 2026, from 7:00–8:00 PM EST.
The virtual event will bring together healthcare leaders, policymakers, and international voices to examine the growing public health crisis in Cuba, where an intensifying energy shortage, linked to restricted fuel access, has placed significant strain on the country’s healthcare system. The discussion will highlight the broader human and medical consequences of ongoing geopolitical policies and explore the role of advocacy in addressing global health inequities. Confirmed speakers on the webinar include Congressman Gregory Meeks; H.E. Ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera with the Cuban Embassy; Hon. David Comissiong, the Barbados Ambassador to CARICOM; Dr. Abeeku Dada, the International Medical Society of ELAM; and Dr. Khadija Lang with the NMA Council on International Affairs.
“The health consequences of the Cuban oil blockade are profound and demand urgent global attention,” said Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr., 126th President of the National Medical Association. “As physicians, we have a responsibility to elevate the human impact of these policies and advocate for solutions that prioritize health, dignity, and access to care for all people.”
The webinar will feature perspectives on international health policy, workforce challenges, and the downstream effects of resource limitations on patient care. Attendees will also be encouraged to engage in meaningful dialogue and action around global health advocacy.
This event is part of NMA’s ongoing commitment to advancing health equity and raising awareness of critical issues affecting underserved populations worldwide.
Event Details:
Sounding the Alarm: The Health Effects of the Cuban Oil Blockade
Date: April 15, 2026
Time: 7:00–8:00 PM EST
How to Watch:
- Facebook: Click Here
- LinkedIn: Click Here
- YouTube: Click Here
###
About the National Medical Association:
The NMA is the nation’s oldest and largest organization representing Black physicians and health professionals in the U.S. and promotes the collective interests of physicians and patients of African descent. We serve as the voice of Black physicians and a leading voice for parity in medicine, elimination of health disparities and promotion of optimal health. To learn more about the NMA, please visit https://www.nmanet.org/.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jaylen Christie
850-556-4924
jaylen@bdaviscomm.com
