HAVANA — A Cuban state-run media report published by Cubadebate says U.S. energy-related restrictions are intensifying pressure on Cuba’s healthcare system, with children’s cancer survival rates declining, medical treatments disrupted, and widespread shortages affecting essential services across the island.
According to the report, surgeries have been delayed, kidney dialysis schedules interrupted, and pediatric cancer patients are facing increased risks amid what authorities describe as a deepening energy and supply crisis. Independent verification of the figures cited in the state media report was not immediately available.
Worsening impact on children and healthcare services
The Cubadebate report stated that the survival rate for children with cancer has fallen to 65%, down from 85% before energy restrictions began in January. It also said around 100,000 children under the age of seven are no longer receiving a daily liter of milk previously provided by the state, while a 16-vaccine immunization program for infants is “at risk.”
The report further said about 100,000 people are on waiting lists for surgery, while treatment schedules for nearly 3,000 kidney dialysis patients have been disrupted.
In addition, it claimed that 300 of 395 essential medicines produced domestically are unavailable due to shortages of chemical components needed for production.
Fuel shortages and strained infrastructure
Cuba’s publicly funded healthcare system has been under increasing strain from fuel shortages, power outages lasting more than 20 hours in some areas, and broader supply disruptions, according to the same report.
It stated that approximately 1,400 megawatts of generating capacity are currently offline due to shortages of diesel and fuel oil for smaller plants, while larger thermoelectric stations are affected by a lack of spare parts that cannot be transported.
The report also said logistical and payment challenges in wheat imports have reduced bread supplies to roughly half of previous levels, while fuel shortages have limited the distribution of 170 containers of essential goods.
■ Related News
Sanctions pressure and international tensions
The Cubadebate report linked the worsening conditions to long-standing U.S. sanctions and recent energy-related restrictions. It said Cuba had gone three months without a fuel shipment after disruptions involving Venezuela, a key supplier, and U.S. threats of tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba.
The Trump administration has demanded that Cuba release political prisoners, implement economic reforms, and alter its governance structure, according to the report. Cuba has repeatedly rejected accusations that it poses a security threat to the United States.
UN agencies warn of logistical breakdowns
United Nations agencies have warned of growing logistical challenges affecting humanitarian shipments to Cuba.
The Pan American Health Organization reported delays in shipments of antibiotics and laboratory reagents due to flight cancellations. UNICEF said seven shipments of newborn supplies valued at $630,000 were stalled in transit. The World Food Programme said 2,900 metric tons of contracted food aid could not be shipped due to restrictions imposed by shipping lines.
UN officials have described the situation as part of a broader humanitarian concern, with some agencies facing operational disruptions in efforts to deliver aid.
Experts highlight worsening systemic pressures
Paolo Spadoni, an associate professor at Augusta University in Georgia, was quoted as saying the situation reflects both long-standing structural problems and newly intensified pressures.
“There is no doubt that there were problems with healthcare and basic services in Cuba, but there is also no doubt that these recent events have vastly amplified what was already happening, and that we are now in a different dimension,” he said.
Spadoni also noted that while systemic reforms are needed, external pressures are contributing to what he described as an acute humanitarian situation.
Attribution and outlook
The figures and assessments in this report originate from Cubadebate, Cuba’s state-run media outlet, along with statements and updates from United Nations agencies and a cited academic expert. Independent verification of several claims has not been confirmed.
As tensions between Havana and Washington continue, international agencies warn that logistical constraints and supply disruptions could further strain Cuba’s healthcare and food systems in the months ahead.
Tags: Cuba, United States, Healthcare Crisis, Sanctions, United Nations
