ABSTRACT
The Cuban program and the Cuban human immune virus (HIV) epidemic must be studied within the socioeconomic, political, cultural and ethical context of Cuban society. Among Caribbean countries, Cuba’s response to the epidemic of HIV infection merits attention because it is a comprehensive effort in a poor country that includes early, integrated, nationwide action. Cuba has a single, unified health system locally administered, with professional oversight at the national level. The legal bases for the HIV control program are originally set by the Cuban Constitution of 1976 which guarantees to the people free curative and preventive care, hygienic and occupational health protection and social security. In Cuban society great sacrifices are demanded of the individual in the interest of their perception of a strong and healthy society not only in the case of acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients, but in all situations.
