Cuba is facing a deepening socio-economic crisis exacerbated by recent hurricanes, earthquakes, and ongoing health epidemics. Severe water shortages and power outages affect multiple provinces, complicating the situation. PAHO has initiated response operations, providing essential supplies and support to maintain healthcare for vulnerable populations amidst the crisis.
Cuba is currently facing a profound socio-economic crisis, aggravated by a range of disasters. The nation has been struggling with economic decline, which has led to inflation, shortages of medication and supplies, and the emigration of healthcare workers, all impacting public health. These challenges have been compounded by an energy emergency and significant public health threats.
In recent weeks, Cuba has experienced several devastating events, including two hurricanes, Oscar and Rafael, alongside two earthquakes registering magnitudes of 5.9 and 6.8. These calamities have resulted in massive destruction, flooding, and disruptions to crucial services, particularly in healthcare and water supply, worsening the already dire socio-economic situation.
Seven provinces in Cuba are suffering from significant water shortages, notably Artemisa and Havana, with shortages exceeding 80%. Power outages and infrastructure damages in regions such as Mayabeque, Guantánamo, and Granma further exacerbate the crisis. The repeated failures of the national electrical system complicate emergency responses and recovery efforts in the affected areas.
The ongoing Dengue and Oropouche epidemics present additional public health risks, as extended flooding and inadequate potable water access elevate the risk of communicable diseases. Temporary shelters housing evacuated populations are susceptible to outbreaks of digestive, respiratory, and vector-borne diseases due to poor hygiene and sanitation conditions.
Despite challenges, the health system has managed to maintain some health services and epidemiological surveillance, although it is facing significant shortages of critical medical supplies, including reagents and antibiotics. From late 2023 onward, Cuba has reported outbreaks of Oropouche virus, with over 23,639 suspected and 626 confirmed cases. This includes serious complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, encephalitis, and meningoencephalitis.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has engaged in response operations aimed at ensuring healthcare continuity, especially for vulnerable populations. Their collaboration with the Cuban Ministry of Health and other UN agencies has facilitated the distribution of over four tons of medical supplies, including personal protective equipment and operational materials for hospitals in severely impacted areas.
To combat the rise of Oropouche cases, PAHO has provided reagents for molecular detection and trained laboratory professionals on various detection techniques. A mission was undertaken by regional experts in virology and epidemiology to assess the Oropouche situation and identify opportunities for enhancing response and control measures in September 2024.
Cuba is grappling with a significant crisis fueled by socio-economic challenges and recent natural disasters. The combination of hurricanes, earthquakes, and ongoing epidemics has created an urgent need for humanitarian and health response strategies. The collaborative efforts of PAHO, national authorities, and international agencies aim to mitigate the public health risks while ensuring the availability of essential healthcare services. Continuous support and proactive measures are crucial to address the multiple layers of this crisis.
Original Source: www.paho.org
