Community nutrition

and

education in havana

Suns of Mercury is proud to partner with the Australian government’s Direct Aid Program, the University of Melbourne, and the Ifá Iranlowo community in Havana.

Adrian Hearn, director of Suns of Mercury and Professor of Anthropology at the University of Melbourne, introduces the project

Victor Betancourt Estrada “Ogunda Kuanaiye”, leader of the Ifá Iranlowo community, explains the importance of medicinal plants in Afro-Cuban cosmology and how the project aims to improve health outcomes

Cuban traditional expertise in plant-based nutrition has been cultivated by Afro-Cuban communities since times of slavery, and since the 1990s this knowledge has been used in Cuba’s official health and agriculture programs. To assist these efforts the project is providing equipment such as water tanks, pumps, hosepipes, and gardening tools.

3.Project team at AU embassy-Mexico.jpeg

Project photos so far

Mr. Bernard Unkles, Deputy Ambassador at the Australian Embassy in Mexico City (accredited to Cuba), describes the Direct Aid Program and how the project fits in

In August 2022 Bernard hosted a presentation by Adrian and Victor at the Australian Embassy in Mexico City. Bernard’s personal support, and that of the embassy, have been central to the project’s development. Among other things, it facilitated the cooperation agreement we signed with the Antonio Núñez Jiménez Foundation (FANJ) to authorise and enable implementation.

Osmel “Iwori” Cuyar, a member of the community, describes the project’s relevance

Availability of imported medicines in Cuba has diminished owing to COVID-related supply disruptions and the U.S. embargo on the island’s foreign trade. The project is working with holders of traditional knowledge about nutritional and medicinal plants to help them treat ailments ranging from headaches to high blood pressure.