Cuba’s Unprecedented Crises: Socio-Economic Struggles and Public Health Challenges

Cuba is facing an unprecedented socio-economic crisis worsened by natural disasters, including hurricanes and earthquakes. The healthcare system is strained due to economic hardships and shortages of essential supplies. Current epidemics and the emergence of the Oropouche virus further complicate this situation. PAHO is actively supporting the Cuban government by delivering essential medical supplies and improving surveillance and response capabilities.

Cuba has been experiencing a profound socio-economic crisis that has intensified over several years, characterized by economic hardships, inflation, shortages in medication and supplies, and a significant migration of healthcare professionals. These factors have severely impacted the healthcare system and the overall wellbeing of the population. Currently, the country is facing an unprecedented crisis compounded by a series of converging disasters, including hurricanes and earthquakes, alongside acute public health issues.

Recently, Cuba has suffered from devastating disasters: two hurricanes—Oscar (Category 1) and Rafael (Category 3)—along with two significant earthquakes measuring magnitudes 5.9 and 6.8. These calamities have caused widespread destruction, extensive flooding, and the disruption of critical services such as water supply and healthcare, aggravating the existing socio-economic turmoil. Seven provinces, particularly Artemisa and Havana, are experiencing severe water shortages, while extensive power outages and infrastructure damage in several regions worsen the situation.

The recent spate of disasters has posed significant challenges for emergency response efforts in the affected areas, especially against the backdrop of frequent national electrical system disconnections. The ongoing Dengue and Oropouche epidemics have heightened the risk of communicable disease outbreaks, exacerbated by flooding and inadequate hygiene conditions in temporary shelters. This scenario increases the likelihood of various diseases, including those transmitted by vectors.

Despite the Cuban health system’s efforts to maintain health services and epidemiological surveillance with limited resources, a dire shortage of diagnostic reagents, laboratory supplies, and essential medications persists. Since late 2023, Cuba has reported outbreaks of Oropouche virus with thousands of suspected cases, raising concerns about the healthcare capacity to handle further spread, despite no confirmed cases since late 2024. This situation calls for the reinforcement of surveillance and preventive measures across the population.

In response to these challenges, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has been actively engaged in ensuring the continuity of healthcare services, especially for vulnerable communities. Collaborating with various entities, including Direct Relief, the European Union, and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, PAHO has mobilized essential medical supplies to supported hospitals in the most affected regions. Moreover, PAHO has facilitated training for Cuban laboratory professionals in detecting the Oropouche virus, enhancing the country’s capacity to manage the outbreak.

In September 2024, PAHO’s experts conducted a mission to Cuba to evaluate the situation regarding Oropouche fever, assessing the ongoing outbreak and identifying areas for improvement in response efforts. Their commitment highlights the necessity of ongoing support for Cuba’s healthcare system amid significant challenges in public health and emergency management.

This article outlines the critical situation in Cuba, highlighting the intertwining socio-economic crisis alongside natural disasters that have severely impacted public health and essential services. The ongoing health crises, especially the emergence of the Oropouche virus, necessitate robust surveillance and effective healthcare management. The coordinated response by PAHO and other partners illustrates the importance of international support in addressing Cuba’s pressing health and socio-economic challenges.

Original Source: www.paho.org