According to Prensa Latina Agency, the purpose is to recognize the results of research that stand out in the country and that is why one of the Annual Awards for the year 2021 was granted to the result of scientific research called: The IPK and its scientific and technical contribution to the confrontation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The IPK, which is the main executing entity, worked in coordination with the Center for Advanced Studies of Cuba, University of Havana, Ministry of Public Health, Provincial Center of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology of Havana, Villa Clara and Santiago de Cuba.

The Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, the Hermanos Ameijeiras Surgical Clinical Hospital, the Center for Scientific Research of the Civil Defense, the National Center for Biopreparations, the Dr. Luis Díaz Soto Central Military Hospital, the Dr. Salvador Allende Surgical Clinical Teaching Hospital and the Immunoassay Center also collaborated.

The Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences, the Center for Population and Development Studies, the National Statistics and Information Office, the Center for Psychological and Sociological Research, the International Health Center La Pradera and the Havana Provincial Health Directorate also make up the list.

The IPK was founded in 1937 by Professor Pedro Kourí, and over the years has achieved international recognition for its numerous relevant results and awards for its researchers.

At the national level, it is the highest authority in the disciplines of Microbiology, Parasitology, Tropical Medicine, and Clinical and Epidemiology of Communicable Diseases and since the beginning of the pandemic in Cuba, the IPK had an effective work in the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19.

Another important activity of the IPK due to its impact was the preparation of central laboratories in other provinces for the study of samples collected to detect the presence of Covid-19, without abandoning its responsibility as the leading center for these investigations and diagnoses, according to PL.

The IPK initially trained more than 7,000 professionals in virology, specific signs and symptoms of this high-risk and rapidly spreading disease, and also made it possible to better organize health services, foresee the severity of contagion, use the most effective drugs and adopt the best international protocols.