U.S. sanctions push Cuba to the brink, with healthcare at risk
More than nine million Cubans are caught in the middle as the U.S. and Cuba blame each other for Cuba's deepening humanitarian crisis.
Cuban doctors described a 2-month-old infant admitted to William Soler Pediatric Hospital, weighing less than 5 pounds and severely malnourished. The infant required specialized formulas, many of which originate from the United States. Dr. Alejandro Chong, head of the ICU, stated that doctors often improvise with less expensive alternatives.
The United States maintains a trade embargo with Cuba, but now President Trump has tightened restrictions, threatening sanctions against those who do business with the Cuban government. Washington claims it does not intend to restrict food and medical supplies, yet foreign companies are hesitant to sell to Cuba due to potential penalties.
Cuba has been grappling with economic issues for decades, with the U.S. alleging the regime mismanaged the economy and neglected infrastructure. However, oil deliveries to the island have been scarce since early January, leaving hospitals vulnerable during power outages. Doctors have resorted to using cellphones for light and manually pumping oxygen for critical patients when generators fail.
Many healthcare professionals have left the profession or the country due to low wages and poor working conditions. Cuba currently faces a shortage of essential drugs, anesthetics, and lab equipment, with a toddler waiting 68 days for a critical artificial lung machine component. The country's leadership has been criticized for its human rights record, and tensions between the U.S. and Cuba remain high.
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