In 1909 the Cuban Red Cross emerged, whose founder, the distinguished doctor Diego Tamayo and Figueredo, is an example of consecration, love and dedication to work. This man of science was born in Bayamo on October 12, 1853, and among his innumerable services in favor of the health of the population is the introduction of the anti-rabies vaccine. Long before dedicating himself to these tasks, he surrendered to his homeland as a member of the Mambí Army, where he fights under the orders of "Calixto García" until he becomes a prisoner, sick and wounded. Due to the efforts of his family, he is exiled to Spain, where he studies Medicine. Later, in 1887, he returned to Cuba performing as a doctor, and died on October 23, 1926.

The legacy of Dr. Diego Tamayo and Figueredo, when founding the Cuban Red Cross, continued under the orders of other worthy Cubans, who, like him, have given their best to alleviate suffering, to help the victims or simply to prevent . In that select group, it is worth noting Dr. Esmildo Gutiérrez Sánchez, who was born in Havana City coincidentally on October 23, but in 1938.

In the bosom of a family of high patriotic and moral values, this doctor grows and is trained, who, once graduated, joins the health programs of the Cuban revolutionary government. In 1976 he began his collaboration with the Cuban Red Cross, soon becoming its general secretary. Years later, in 1985 Dr. Gutiérrez holds the position of vice president of the Executive Council of the Federation of National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. His dynamism and self-denial was present in the many and diverse missions, in which he participated as a director and member of the Red Cross. This task, together with his humanitarian sense and adherence to the fundamental principles of the movement, made him worthy of the Henry Dunant medal. This high distinction of the International Movement, It was conferred posthumously by the members of the Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. Dr. Esmildo Gutiérrez Sánchez dies on February 9, 1995, in the City of Havana.