Researchers from Ciego de Ávila obtained distinctions in several categories during the 49th edition of the 2026 Annual Health Award.

With the participation of researchers, teachers, professionals and health sector managers, Ciego de Ávila hosted the 49th edition of the 2026 Annual Health Award, a space that recognises the most relevant results of scientific activity in the Cuban health system.

The event was presided over by Dr Marvely Isaac Rodríguez, director of the Provincial Council of Health Scientific Societies; Dr Mitza Ivis Castro Márquez, director of Health Management; Dr Rosa Victoria Venegas Pérez, director of Medical Care; and Miguel Salazar Rodríguez, Sub-Delegate of Science, Technology and Innovation at the Citma Territorial Delegation in the province.

Dr C. Luis Antonio Rodríguez Sánchez obtained the Award in the Applied Research category for his work on haematological and metabolic indices as tools for early risk stratification in ischaemic stroke.

Dr C. Ángel Jesús Lacerda Gallardo was recognised in the Scientific Article category for research on metabolomic markers in chronic subdural haematoma.

Among the most celebrated moments of the day was the presentation of the «Short Story Book for Doctors» by Dr Rubén Carlos Mayo Márquez, who is on an internationalist mission in Guatemala.

His children spoke on his behalf before colleagues and sector managers, a gesture that turned the event into more than just an academic recognition.

MSc Joanne Purón Prieto received a distinction in Medical Education Work for her study on historical trends in research training in the Medicine degree in Cuba.

Dr José Carlos Álvarez Hernández was awarded for Technological Innovation for a composite index to assess the effectiveness of refresher courses in Stomatology.

In the Speciality Completion Thesis category, recognition went to Dr Martín del Río Sánchez for his analysis of risk factors associated with therapeutic failure in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in the province between 2014 and 2024.

Dr Marvely Isaac Rodríguez highlighted that the edition reaffirmed the territory’s commitment to generating scientific knowledge in service of the people’s health, and stressed that results such as those presented this Monday demonstrate the capacity of Avilanian professionals to provide concrete solutions to the challenges of the health system, from rigorous research and daily work in health institutions.