Pretoria - Cuban health collaborators are currently working in 100 different South African localities, 20 years after the arrival here of the first group of physicians, according to Dr. Alex Carreras who heads the medical mission in the African nation.

Carreras has completed six years in his role leading the cooperation program between the two countries, which was established by Fidel Castro and Nelson Mandela.

In an interview with Prensa Latina shortly before returning to Cuba, Carreras said that, "summarizing six years of work here is not easy in a country such as South Africa." Before working here, he provided health services in Botswana (2004-2006), but, "nothing compares to this experience."

He said that he, "started (had) a new form of cooperation like the type of medical services in Cuba and this led to an increase in the number of Cuban collaborators here."

About his experiences,he said, "Undoubtedly they are many. I return as a best professional, but above all as a better human being."

A Graduate of 1992,Carreras is confident in the future of the collaboration between the two contries. He also knows that,"new tasks will come and I am willing to comply with the tasks assigned me."

About 522 Cuban collaborators - not only health workers - are currently working in 129 South Africa localities and this number is likely to continue growing.

About 120 more professionals are expected in the country by June.