Former Uruguayan President launches book in Havana

DOCTOR Tabaré Vázquez, former president of Uruguay, launched his book Crónica de un mal amigo, (Chronicle of a Bad Friend), published in Cuba by the Científico Técnica Editorial, at the National Oncological and Radiobiography Institute (INOR).

In the presence of Health Minister Roberto Morales Ojeda; Abel Prieto Jiménez, advisor to the President of the Councils of State and Ministers; Ariel Bergamino, Uruguayan ambassador in Havana; Zuleica Romay Guerra, president of the Cuban Book Institute; and Luis Curbelo, INOR director, the text was introduced by its editor, Neyda Izquierda, Dr. Agustín Lage (who wrote the prologue), and social communicator Alina Pérez.

Pérez described the book as an excellent idea, placing in the hands of readers information which helps to understand and fight cancer. The text is based on real cases related from the experience of a doctor (the author) with his patients. "Each case is a lesson to prevent this experience from happening again," she observed."

"The first intellectual adventure which readers encounter is a discovery of the profound concepts of the disease and a working instrument explaining the essential elements of oncology," Lage explained. As he notes in the prologue, "It is a book for everyone, because the battle against cancer is everyone’s battle."

Dr. Lage spoke of the medical tour through which the author guides readers, and affirmed the value of it as an approach to the health-sickness dynamic which, in essence, recognizes education as a principal weapon.

Tabaré Vázquez spoke of the affection he feels for the Cuban people and government and appreciated the presence of an audience essentially composed of doctors and workers at the center. "More than a work, the book is a tool for fighting illness," he stated and explained the origin of its title. "Many times it presents itself as a friend who arrives without being invited, stays, and one fine day presents itself in all its malignity."

For his part, the Institute’s director expressed a deep pride in being able to exchange views on the subject, "with a professional like yourself of proven dedication and vocation for this discipline despite your multiple occupations."