Leiden 20-10-2024
We are writing as a medical organization concerned about the growing humanitarian crisis in Cuba.
On October 18th, 2024, a nationwide blackout occurred due to a failure in Cuba’s Electroenergetic System, leaving millions without power. The ongoing energy crisis has severely impacted essential services such as healthcare, education, and food supply. Cuban authorities and technicians are working hard to restore electricity, but progress has been slow.
The root of this crisis lies in the long-standing U.S. sanctions imposed on Cuba. These sanctions, which began during the Cold War, continue to block Cuba from accessing crucial resources such as fuel, medical supplies, and modern infrastructure. The island's energy grid has deteriorated under the strain of these restrictions, and its reliance on foreign oil imports from countries like Russia and Venezuela has become unsustainable due to global and regional disruptions.
Despite these challenges, Cuba has made immense contributions to global health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. While managing its internal struggles, Cuba sent countless healthcare workers abroad to help in the fight against the virus, including in hard-hit regions like Italy and Africa. Additionally, Cuba developed its own vaccines, Soberana and Abdala, which were shared with countries in need, providing vital aid where larger pharmaceutical companies had fallen short and the international community failed to provide.
Today, the Cuban healthcare system is in crisis. Hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies are struggling to function without consistent electricity. Power outages are putting lives at risk, from patients in intensive care to those relying on critical medications and vaccines that require refrigeration. Cuba’s healthcare infrastructure, renowned for its commitment to public health, is suffering under the weight of this compounded crisis, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions.
In November 2023, the United Nations overwhelmingly voted in favor of ending the U.S. blockade, with 187 countries supporting the resolution. Despite this, the sanctions remain in place, prolonging Cuba’s suffering. These measures, intended to pressure the Cuban government, have instead caused hardship for ordinary citizens, depriving them of essential goods and services.
As a medical organization, we firmly believe that access to healthcare, medicine, and fuel are basic human rights that should not be limited by political disputes. Cuba’s contributions during the pandemic are a testament to its commitment to global health, and now it is time for the international community to reciprocate by lifting the sanctions that hinder the country’s recovery.
We urge the U.S. government to lift its economic blockade on Cuba.
Dr Walter Schrader GP Chairman of Remedi Foundation
Embacuba Países Bajos