Cuba is in a severe crisis, worsened by ongoing economic struggles and recent disasters including hurricanes and earthquakes. The healthcare system is under strain, facing supply shortages and heightened risks of disease outbreaks. PAHO is responding by delivering essential medical support and enhancing local health capabilities.
Cuba is currently facing a severe socio-economic crisis, compounded by a series of disasters. This situation has been deteriorating over the years due to economic difficulties, high inflation, and healthcare personnel shortages, which have collectively weakened the healthcare system and adversely affected public health outcomes.
Recent months have seen Cuba encounter an unprecedented crisis characterized by overlapping disasters. The island has been impacted by two hurricanes, Oscar and Rafael, and two significant earthquakes, leading to widespread destruction, flooding, and interruptions in vital services such as water supply and healthcare. This has intensified the country’s existing socio-economic challenges.
Severe water shortages are evident in seven provinces, particularly impacting Artemisa and Havana, where over 80% of the population is affected. Additionally, ongoing power outages and damage to infrastructure in multiple provinces further exacerbate the situation, complicating emergency response and recovery operations.
The risk of communicable disease outbreaks has increased due to prolonged flooding and poor hygiene in temporary shelters, amidst ongoing epidemics of Dengue and Oropouche. The public faces a heightened threat from digestive-borne diseases, respiratory infections, and other vector-borne illnesses, while a lack of essential medical supplies hampers effective healthcare delivery.
Since late 2023, the Oropouche virus disease has been reported in Cuba, with thousands of suspected cases documented. As of early 2025, there have been over 23,600 suspected cases, and 626 confirmed cases, including severe complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and encephalitis, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and public health measures.
In response to the crisis, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has prioritized the delivery of healthcare services, focusing on vulnerable communities. With support from various humanitarian organizations, PAHO has delivered essential medical supplies to the hardest-hit regions and facilitated training for laboratory personnel for better detection and response to the Oropouche outbreak.
Cuba is grappling with a multifaceted crisis, emboldened by a long-standing socio-economic downturn and compounded by recent natural disasters. The existing challenges pose serious risks to public health, necessitating coordinated efforts from national authorities and international organizations like PAHO. Continued support and effective response strategies are crucial for mitigating the impacts of these calamities and improving health outcomes for the affected populations.
Original Source: www.paho.org
