CAMAGÜEY.- Amnareya Isac Cidranes has lived a little calmer for a few weeks and much more proud of being Cuban. The Abdala vaccine on the shoulders of his Delenis and her Davis, who this Monday already received the third dose, is the cause of tranquility and pride.

“July 26 was a very proud day, that Monday they received the first dose. This vaccine means effort of our scientists, time of study and work of science even when we are besieged by the blockade of the United States; cultivating what our Commander in Chief Fidel sowed with his vision and today the results of that effort are being reaped.

“As a mother, I feel enormous gratitude and confidence knowing that my children are receiving those doses that will protect them against this pandemic. Without me paying a peso, without anyone choosing me for my social rank, here are my boys as the children of one more Cuban, of a Camagüey woman who comes from a working-class family, and that fills me with pride, it confirms that this is a country that has a heart, that it is going to move forward. This is also a homeland, it is defending my Revolution today and forever ”.

Delenis Fuentes Isac, the "little one" from Amnareya, is 12 years old, in 6th grade. grade at Frank País García elementary school and she would like to be a surgeon. Her brother Davis, 14, is a bit shy, so she "took over" and summed up their feelings.

“For us it is an honor, a contribution to ensure the vaccine for other children. It is something that our scientists have done with great confidence. And what I can do for my country. My brother is happy too, but he is a bit embarrassing. We all want to go back to normality, it will no longer be like before, we will have to continue taking care of ourselves, but after the vaccination we will be able to go out, return to school with friends ”.

Before the moment of this third puncture, for several weeks a huge team of people have guaranteed in the East polyclinic, in the city of Camagüey, the successful development of the Ismaelillo study, the phase I / II clinical trial to measure the safety and immunogenicity of Abdala vaccine in pediatric ages, in two groups (12-18 years and 3-11) and without placebos.

There the pediatrician Nitza, the nurse Baby, the nurse Fernando, the doctors Marcia and Yelenis, along with Rachel, the researcher who came from the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Havana to accompany the process, have showered love for the boys and girls, all necessary explanations to families. On behalf of everyone, Yipsi Morell Padrón, Graduate in Clinical Laboratory, expressed:

“I am very proud to participate in the clinical trial, I consider that it is my grain of sand against the pandemic to be able to contribute with my work so that all children can be vaccinated. I am happy to contribute to my country with my work. I don't have children, but I do have nephews whom I love, so I work with a lot of love. I like what I do and that's why I put my heart into it ”.

In another of the polyclinics of the main municipality, Javier Alejandro Morata Ramos and his mother Orialys were very happy to be part of this story of love and hope. "The most exciting thing, beyond my vaccination, was to put my shoulder and know that thanks to it, the younger Cubans will soon be able to return to normal activities."

It is a long time now, more than we would have liked, with the girls and boys at home, without being able to run around in the park or do mischief with their friends on the block, play baseball, swiss, ball, raise kites or whatever they want. COVID-19 has forced them to seek entertainment inside the home, to learn from the television and to know about their friends from a distance.

The Ismaelillo study - a pediatric clinical trial of the Abdala vaccine that Camagüey serves as the national headquarters - seems to be the end of so many public spaces without childish laughter, of empty schools and stored uniforms.

Next Monday, phase II children from 3 to 11 years old will receive their second dose in the nine health areas of the city of Camagüey. In October, Ismaelillo's results will be evaluated and the way will be open towards the immunization of the entire child population in Cuba.

Translated by Linet Acuña Quilez