Camagüey, June 9.- The recent visit of Genet Teshome Jirru, Ethiopian ambassador to Cuba, to several scientific and economic development centers in the region today boosts relations between both countries.
The tour had a special section at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), inaugurated by the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, and where he could learn about the achievements of the institution.
The objective of evaluating business opportunities in the investigative aspect was consolidated with the explanation of Ruthdaly Segura, main specialist of the technological development group.
The researcher explained about a vaccine, based on a hormone responsible for the production of testosterone in the testicles, aimed at men over 50 years of age.
“So far the results are satisfactory and a decrease in testosterone production can be seen. In many countries, castration is performed as a therapeutic action, but it is complex and difficult; however, hormonal castration improves the patient’s quality of life,” the specialist commented on the values of the medication.
The CIGB of Camagüey has an extensive curriculum, including a close link with the University of Camagüey in the production of medicines for the development of animal health and the agricultural development of the country.
Products such as Gavac (for the control of ticks in cattle) and the bionematicide HeberNem, guarantee the quality of their research.
On this occasion, the scientist herself informed the Ethiopian ambassador about a vaccine against rabbit hemorrhagic disease.
It is a vaccine that we currently have the process established, directed against a lethal virus that affects young rabbits, Segura said about the project.
For 2024, “the plans are to produce the active ingredient of this vaccine to formulate the vaccine and reach phase 1, 2 and 3 clinical trials,” the scientist said.
The African president himself was interested in the possibility of having the extension of medicines of this type for human beings, in addition to the projects to obtain medicines to combat cancer.
Another line of research in the animal section presented to the visitor by the CIGB specialists was that referring to a vaccine against sea lice that affects species such as salmon, which is in its first stages of work.
Cuba has ties of cooperation with Ethiopia for almost 50 years, materialized in various sectors.
In February 2024, the groups of the Ethiopian Sugar Industry and the Cuban Sugar Business (Azcuba) signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in research and development of production, technical assistance, among others.
At the end of the African ambassador’s tour, the director of Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and International Cooperation of the Government in Camagüey, Juan Poll, detailed to the media the possibilities of concluding new agreements on projects between both nations. (PL) (Photo: Taken from the Internet)
