February 10th, 2026 - Guatemala to Gradually End Use of Cuban Doctors Under U.S. Pressure

The Guatemalan government announced on Tuesday that it will gradually phase out its long-standing program of using Cuban doctors, a collaboration that has lasted nearly 30 years. The program has been a significant source of income for the Cuban government but has faced increasing pressure from the Trump administration. Guatemala, with a population of over 18 million, is the latest country in the Americas to cancel the Cuban medical mission.

The Cuban medical brigade in Guatemala consists of 412 medical workers, including 333 doctors, working across the country’s health care system. The health ministry confirmed that the termination would occur gradually as these medical professionals complete their assignments. Officials from the ministry emphasized that the move was based on a "technical analysis" aimed at strengthening the national health care system and ensuring continuity in services.

Under President Bernardo Arévalo, Guatemala has cooperated closely with the Trump administration. This includes agreements such as a recent trade deal with the U.S. and an increase in deportation flights. The Trump administration’s focus shifted recently to Cuba, particularly following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Cuba, which has provided significant medical support to Venezuela, has faced increasing international pressure to end its medical missions abroad.

The U.S. has actively pressured countries in the region to terminate Cuban medical programs, citing concerns about exploitation. Last year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio restricted visas for Cuban officials and foreign government members involved in these programs. The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala has also criticized the program, highlighting concerns over human rights and the training of Cuban medical workers, although the embassy did not provide specific reports.

Guatemala has not yet announced the full impact of the phaseout but has indicated that it plans to replace the Cuban doctors with local workers. This will involve hiring more local health professionals, improving incentives for positions in hard-to-reach areas, and redistributing the existing workforce. The Cuban doctors have largely served the more remote and underserved areas of the country, particularly those affected by Guatemala’s civil war and long-standing government neglect.

The Cuban medical program began in 1998 when President Álvaro Arzú restored diplomatic relations with Cuba. Over the years, the Cuban doctors have filled gaps in Guatemala’s health care system, especially in rural areas where local doctors were unwilling to work. The U.S. government's cuts in foreign assistance have already negatively impacted Guatemala, and experts warn that phasing out the Cuban doctors could further harm the health of impoverished and rural communities.

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