UN Expresses Concern as Fuel Shortages Push Cuba Toward Severe Humanitarian Crisis

Cuba. The United Nations has expressed concern that the country is being pushed towards a severe humanitarian crisis due to growing fuel shortages. According to UN Secretary-General's Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the energy crisis in Cuba is escalating because of the inability to import fuel, which is seriously affecting basic services, including healthcare.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, hospitals are experiencing frequent power outages, shortages of essential medicines, and problems operating critical medical equipment. Services such as cancer treatment, dialysis, emergency care, and maternal and child health services have also been affected.

It is reported that due to the lack of electricity and resources, it is difficult to provide radiotherapy to approximately 16,000 cancer patients and chemotherapy treatment to over 12,000 patients. Delays in emergency treatment are occurring because of fuel shortages in ambulances.

Similarly, it is stated that nearly one million people depend on water supplied by tankers, and services are being disrupted because most water pumping systems rely on electricity.

The food supply system has also been affected. It is reported that the availability of basic foodstuffs across the country is decreasing due to problems in the entire process, from production to storage and distribution.

The United Nations has stated that efforts are underway to deliver humanitarian aid to Cuba in cooperation with member states.