April 4th, a date to celebrate in Holguin

Holguin comes on 4 April to the 465th Anniversary of its founding as Hato, it became later a village and city, known today in Cuba as "the city of the parks" by the high number of these public spaces available for its nearly 300 00 inhabitants, characterized by their kindness and creativity.

Just a few days for the celebrations, Holguin residents are involved in the remodelling and beautification tasks like the restoration of important part of the central area of the city, the rehabilitation and paving of streets, widening of road access and resuscitation of street lighting, among others.

One of the priority actions is the construction of the Plaza Cuatro de Abril, because in addition to joining the celebrations, it will become a cultural-recreational complex for the enjoyment of all people.

It is fair to admit the good done by many people who deal with the renovation works to beautify the surroundings of the old city, because the beauty that surrounds us turns life more pleasant. It is a beautiful song from the heart of colleagues who model the city for enjoyment of all of us.

In Cuba: New Project to Help Children Born with Malformations

Cuba is undertaking a nationwide survey of residents with congenital anorectal malformations in children who can benefit from surgery. The project began in the framework of the Fourth Conference on Paediatric Surgery to be held March 22 to 27 in Havana.

The survey aims to identify possible patients that could benefit from surgery at one of the island’s specialized paediatric surgical hospitals, such as the William Soler Hospital in Havana, and the Octavio de la Concepción de la Pedraja in Holguin.

The results of the survey will be imputed into a national database, coordinated by Dr. Jianeya Manzano Suárez, a specialist in paediatric surgery from the province of Holguin.

Other activities linked to the conference include an international workshop on the treatment of anorectal malformations, surgical demonstrations and live broadcasts via satellite from the Medical and Surgical Research Center of Cuba (CIMEQ) to the conference room at the Havana Convention Center.

The workshop will be given by Dr Alberto Peña, from the United States. Peña is one of the leading authorities on the subject and is the author of several books and articles on anorectal disorders in infants, many that are part of the curriculum in Cuba.

Patients with this type of congenital malformation require several surgeries, often requiring the a temporary colostomy, prior to definitive treatment, which can sometimes be delayed due to the existence of other more severe anomalies or concomitants medical conditions.

Dr Rafael Trinchet Soler, president of the Cuban Society of Paediatric Surgery, said that "the course is designed as a top-level training course and will be attended by delegates from all paediatric surgical services of the country.”

Dr Rafael Trinchet Soler, who is also the president of the Latin American Society of Paediatric Surgery, explained that the meeting will increase the quality of care provided to these patients and, in particular to newborns with these conditions.