Milagros Ponce de León and Gloria González Pupo have several things in common: they are Cuban, from Las Tunas, and live one across the other in the extension of Fernando Suárez Street, in the Deportivo district of this city.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- They are 65 and 58 years old. Both have reduced mobility, so they could not reach the Toma de Las Tunas semi-boarding school; but they are already vaccinated with “Abdala,” the first Cuban anti-COVID-19 vaccine.
Milagros was the first to receive the saving jab from noble hands that came to her home, defying the sun and the SARS-CoV-2, and she was so happy that she had slightly high blood pressure, even though she never had that condition before.
She has been blind for many years since she was a teenager, but she saw a light now. It really is a metaphor; however, she feels that way in real life because she never leaves the house; however, she is exposed to the new coronavirus by exchanging it with other family members.
Gloria was also excited and happy too: “This vaccine means life in the face of such a terrible disease. For me it is great, this Revolution is the maximum because they come to protect us in our homes, to avoid this suffering.
“The concern for the entire population is very valuable, despite the blockade and the threats that we always have on us. I am very proud to live in this country.”
For Dr. Erlina Pérez Escalante “this has been a momentous event, we are in the middle of a pandemic that has claimed the lives of many people. Going to the home of those who cannot get to the vaccination center is the least we can do.
“We have made progress in caring for the prostrate and, personally, it gives me great satisfaction to go to their homes because it is important that the entire population can be immunized. They are very vulnerable to getting the disease and I don't mind walking; it is part of my daily work.”
Nursing graduate Anaís Salina Carralero thinks the same, who skillfully prepares the syringe and inserts the needle so gently that neither Milagros nor Gloria felt pain. “That is part of our job, going to the neighborhood, visiting them and, now, something else; giving them their vaccine.
“Immunizing this vulnerable population helps us all, so we are fighting the virus and it is a pride going to the home of those who cannot walk. They deserve this effort.”
Alexis Escalante Suárez is happy too. He is the delegate of the Constituency 77 of the Popular Council 6, and accompanies the health personnel on this pilgrimage through the neighborhood, as he knows each one of those who wait, patiently, for "Abdala" at home.
“Everything has gone as it was organized. People have responded positively and what is missing is that each one complies with the indicated measures; the vaccine alone does not solve. We thank the health personnel and I hope that together we will end this disease.”
