Key facts
- Cuba's children's cancer survival rate has dropped to 65% from 85% due to US energy restrictions.
- 100,000 children under 7 no longer receive their daily liter of state-provided milk.
- The infant immunization program is at risk, and 100,000 Cubans are on surgery waiting lists.
- Nearly 3,000 kidney dialysis patients have disrupted treatment schedules.
- 300 of 395 essential medicines are unavailable due to a lack of chemical components.
- 1,400 megawatts of power generating capacity are offline due to fuel shortages.
A report from Cuban state-run media details the severe impact of the U.S. energy blockade on the health and daily lives of Cubans, particularly children. The survival rate for children with cancer has reportedly fallen to 65% from 85% since energy restrictions began in January. Additionally, 100,000 children under seven are no longer receiving their daily liter of state-provided milk, and the country's infant immunization program is considered at risk.
The report also highlights disruptions to essential services, with 100,000 individuals on waiting lists for surgery and nearly 3,000 kidney dialysis patients facing interrupted treatment schedules. Medication shortages are critical, with 300 out of 395 essential medicines unavailable due to a lack of chemical components. Power generation has also been significantly affected, with approximately 1,400 megawatts of capacity offline due to fuel shortages for smaller power plants, while larger plants await necessary spare parts.
Logistical and payment challenges have halved bread supplies, and a lack of fuel has prevented the distribution of 170 containers of essential goods. The report concludes that the blockade constitutes an "extreme and unjustifiable form of collective punishment." United Nations officials have warned of an impending humanitarian crisis, with an emergency appeal launched in late March to raise funds for the island. An associate professor noted that while Cuba has systemic failures, recent events have amplified existing problems, and the United States bears responsibility for the acute humanitarian crisis. The U.S. administration has demanded political prisoner releases, economic reforms, and governance changes from Cuba.