Cuba is close to producing a COVID vaccine and hopes to draw tourists with it

Professionals work in a clinical laboratory amid the coronavirus pandemic in Havana, Cuba, February 5, 2021.

Professionals work in a clinical laboratory amid the coronavirus pandemic in Havana, Cuba, February 5, 2021. Photo by Minsa/Ulan/Pool / Latin America News Agency

Scientists in Cuba say they’re close to developing a coronavirus vaccine of their own. It’s called “Sovereign 2,” and it’s in its final trial stage. If successful, Cuba says it may make it available to tourists. But with an economy battered by decades of sanctions from the U.S., will Cuba be able to pull this off?

Credits

Guest:

  • Natalie Kitroeff - New York Times correspondent for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean

Host:

Madeleine Brand

Producers:

Sarah Sweeney, Angie Perrin, Michell Eloy, Amy Ta, Rosalie Atkinson, Brian Hardzinski, Bennett Purser