Cuba is experiencing a severe socio-economic crisis compounded by recent disasters, including hurricanes and earthquakes, leading to significant public health challenges. With ongoing epidemics and resource shortages, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is working to maintain healthcare services and improve disease detection. A coordinated response is essential for addressing the situation effectively.
Cuba is currently grappling with a severe socio-economic crisis, which has progressively deteriorated over recent years. Factors contributing to this decline include economic obstacles, rampant inflation, and significant shortages in medication and supplies, compounded by a rising exodus of healthcare personnel. This collective strain has severely undermined the Cuban healthcare system, adversely affecting the overall health and well-being of the population.
The situation has worsened as Cuba faces a unique crisis marked by significant disasters, public health emergencies, and energy shortages. In a short span, the nation has been hit by two hurricanes, Oscar and Rafael, and two earthquakes, resulting in extensive damage, flooding, and interruptions to essential services, particularly in healthcare and water supply. This has amplified the ongoing socio-economic turmoil.
Currently, seven provinces in Cuba are enduring severe water shortages, particularly Artemisa (83% affected) and Havana (80% affected). Additionally, power outages and infrastructural damage in regions such as Mayabeque, Guantánamo, and Granma further complicate the crisis. The national electrical system faces frequent disconnections, hampering emergency response and recovery efforts across the impacted areas.
Public health concerns are mounting as the nation experiences ongoing Dengue and Oropouche epidemics. Extended flooding and inadequate access to safe drinking water and hygiene facilities in temporary shelters elevate the risk of communicable disease outbreaks, increasing the likelihood of digestive, respiratory, and vector-borne infections.
Despite significant challenges, the health system has managed to maintain some services and epidemiological surveillance using limited resources. However, shortages of essential laboratory supplies, antibiotics, and basic medical provisions hinder effective health service delivery. Recent reports highlight outbreaks of the Oropouche virus in various countries, including Cuba, where as of January 30, 2025, 23,639 suspected cases and 626 confirmed cases were recorded, necessitating improved surveillance and preventive measures.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has taken significant steps to ensure healthcare continuity, particularly for vulnerable communities. Collaborating closely with Cuban national authorities and other United Nations agencies, PAHO has provided essential medical supplies. With assistance from Direct Relief, the European Union, and the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), over four tons of critical materials, including medical equipment and protective gear, were dispatched to the most affected healthcare facilities.
To combat the spread of the Oropouche virus, PAHO has supplied reagents for molecular detection and facilitated training for Cuban laboratory professionals. A mission conducted in September 2024 assessed the national Oropouche fever situation, identifying factors contributing to the outbreak while exploring opportunities to enhance response efforts.
In summary, Cuba is facing an unprecedented socio-economic and public health crisis exacerbated by environmental disasters and resource shortages. Efforts by PAHO and other organizations aim to address these challenges by ensuring healthcare continuity and enhancing disease detection capabilities. Ongoing support and intervention are crucial for restoring health services and preventing further outbreaks in vulnerable communities.
Original Source: www.paho.org
