Dr. Lea Guido López, who finished her term as PAHO/WHO Representative in Cuba, was awarded the Friendship Medal by the State Council of the Republic of Cuba.

In a ceremony held in Havana, Dr. Lea Guido received the award from the hands of Roberto Morales, Cuban Minister of Public Health, who recognized the friendship and solidarity of Dr. Guido, who was in charge of representing the Pan American Health Organization/World Health in Cuba since 2004.

Dr. Guido Lopez, a Nicaraguan national, said she owes much to Cuba, adding "I thank them for their humanity and solidarity, all I've tried to do and will keep on doing is what's right and good, and I will continue to fight for the better possible world.

On Friday, 10 June 2011, the outgoing representative transferred the command of the PAHO/WHO Representation in Cuba to the new Representative, Dr. Jose Luis Di Fabio.