Medical hopes rise with Cuba cooperation

Now that President Obama has taken an unprecedented step to remove the half-century isolation of Cuba, we may finally see long delayed benefits for both countries.

For decades, the United Nations and other industrialized countries regarded this Caribbean country as the topmost example of modern medicine, a model for the rest of the world. Its international reputation was achieved in part by the prime directive to help people rather than to enhance corporate profits.

The drug that 23 Cuban pharmaceuticals collectively discovered can curb and potentially cure the effects of diabetes of millions. The United States, after years of non-contact with this island nation, has virtually ignored such medical advancements.

Perhaps new miraculous cures of ravaging diseases of citizens of both worlds, now united, with shared research capabilities between our two countries, may be within our grasp.

James D. Cook

Schaumburg