The Cuban government has denied housing to a teenager suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a degenerative disease that keeps him bedridden, reliant on artificial respiration and fed through a tube in his stomach.
Diago, 16 years old, lives with his parents in a small house lent by a friend in the municipality of Jaruco, Mayabeque, which is not suitable for someone with his condition.
The authorities are aware of the need for the child to live near the local health center, given the seriousness of his case. However, the response is always the same: there is no budget.
The case was shared on Facebook by Yaylit Díaz, who reported that the government of Jaruco has given homes to many people, but emphasized that "all the houses here have names," and that Diago's parents are just a simple couple with limited resources.
In addition to the poor condition of the property, Yaylit criticized that the doctors do not visit Diago or provide him with the rehabilitation he needs.
"He has a diet, but right now, with the state of the country, the diet never arrives. The government also doesn't bother to find a few locals to bring two liters of milk and four pounds of taro, because he needs to eat a soft diet," he emphasized.
"There is no concern from this municipality regarding that child in any aspect," he added.
Several internet users were outraged upon learning the story of this family.
"Seeing a child like that without a decent home, as if what they already endure isn't enough; this is heartbreaking," questioned a woman.
"It's a complete lack of everything, especially of shame, which is what is missing. The leaders only know how to seize power for themselves and steal the little that the people have," said another.
"What a terrible municipality, so many houses being used for unnecessary offices," remarked a mother.
"Take a house away from any fat cat of the PCC or the Jaruco government," demanded a man.
"These leaders (...) I hope they stop ignoring everything and show some empathy for people, especially for this innocent child who is in this situation not by choice, but due to the unfortunate circumstances of life, and that they provide the attention his parents need to continue fighting for the child," commented a young woman.
"An example of the great lie that they speculate there are no homeless people in Cuba. They put a couple of earplugs in the leaders' ears so they won't hear, and blindfold them so they won't see, and on top of that, they harden their hearts," stated a Cuban in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Social Care Situation in Cuba
Why does the Cuban government deny housing to a child with muscular dystrophy?
The Cuban government claims a lack of budget to provide adequate housing for the 16-year-old boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Mayabeque. Despite the severity of his condition, the authorities are aware of his need to live near a polyclinic, yet they have not offered the necessary assistance.
What is the community's response to Diago's situation in Mayabeque?
The community has shown strong indignation and expressed their frustration through social media. Many users criticize the government's lack of action and the allocation of housing to those less in need, while Diago and his family continue to live in inadequate conditions.
What other cases of social abandonment have been reported in Cuba recently?
Recently, several cases of social neglect have been reported in Cuba, including that of a mother requesting a wheelchair for her disabled son and a family living in a house at risk of collapse. These cases highlight the government's insufficient attention to the needs of the most vulnerable citizens.
How does the housing crisis affect people with disabilities in Cuba?
The housing crisis in Cuba severely affects individuals with disabilities, as many live in inadequate and dangerous conditions without the necessary support from the state. The lack of proper infrastructure and resources to adapt homes further complicates their situation.
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