The lack of fuel in Cuba is forcing the health system to suspend essential medical services, emphasized Altaf Musani, Director of Humanitarian and Disaster Management at the World Health Organization.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned this Friday, May 15th, that the energy crisis in Cuba, a consequence of the US blockade, has delayed 100,000 surgical procedures and is increasing the risk of the spread of vector-borne and waterborne diseases, such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya.
Altaf Musani, Director of Humanitarian and Disaster Management at the organization, confirmed after a visit to the island that the lack of fuel is directly impacting public health and access to healthcare facilities.
According to Musani, the energy situation is forcing the Cuban healthcare system to suspend essential medical services, particularly affecting care for pregnant women.
Of the total number of patients affected by the postponement of their surgeries, more than 11,000 are minors, “which is already impacting both access to healthcare and health outcomes,” the official pointed out.
Since January 29th of this year, the United States government has imposed an oil blockade against Cuba. On that date, the White House occupant signed an executive order imposing tariffs on goods from countries that supply oil to Cuba, directly or indirectly.
The aforementioned attack, which severely impacts the healthcare system of the largest of the Antilles, was justified by arguing that the island represents an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. security, a claim rejected by both the Cuban government and people, as well as by various citizens, leaders, and organizations worldwide.
Last March, the WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called for ensuring that access to healthcare in Cuba remains independent of geopolitical or energy factors.
Through his official channels, the director emphasized that protecting life must be an absolute priority that cannot be conditioned by external factors or a lack of basic resources.
At that time, the WHO chief acknowledged the efforts of national authorities to restore electricity and insisted that hospitals and ambulances must receive sustained and uninterrupted support.
[ SOURCE: www.cubainformacion.tv ]
