Curitiba, 2/19/2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - A contract has been signed by the Itaipu Binational hydroelectric power plant and Cuba to provide the 1.5 million people who reside in the area of the plant with healthcare. "Cuba is a world renowned referral center in terms of public health and, especially, disease prevention," explains Gleise Hoffman, of the Itaipu Binational.

The area to be served includes 52 municipalities, half in Brazil, the other half in Paraguay. One of the objectives of the partnership is to deal with dengue.

Cuban health officials will arrive in March to begin their work. The area around the Itaipu dam and power plant is similar to Cuba in terms of terrain and climate. (AB)