Relatives of a Cuban elderly man identified as Miguel Sosa are seeking help to locate him after he has been missing from home for 18 days.
The elderly man, who has Alzheimer's, went missing 18 days ago. His granddaughter, Naira Caballero, has sought public assistance through social media to locate her grandfather, who was last seen at his home in Centro Habana, although his usual residence is in Jaimanitas, Municipio Playa.
"My family has been searching for my grandfather for about 18 days. He has Alzheimer’s and his name is Miguel Sosa. If anyone sees him or has seen him, please call 55384209, 58941656, or 50982900. He is not aggressive and enjoys talking. I would greatly appreciate it if you find him," Naira wrote in her Facebook post.
The case of Miguel Sosa is one of many reports that have reached authorities and social media, highlighting the increase in missing persons, particularly elderly individuals suffering from mental illnesses.
The situation is further complicated by the shortage of essential medications needed to manage these conditions, making it difficult for those affected to receive the appropriate treatment to prevent episodes of disorientation and forgetfulness.
Many reports are made on social media due to the authorities' incompetence in activating the search for those affected.
Frequently Asked Questions about Elderly Disappearances in Cuba
Why have the disappearances of elderly people in Cuba increased?
The rise in the number of elderly disappearances in Cuba is attributed to the lack of access to proper medications for treating mental illnesses such as Alzheimer’s. This has resulted in an increase in cases of disorientation and memory problems among the elderly, thereby raising the risk of them going missing.
What measures are Cuban families taking to locate their missing loved ones?
Cuban families primarily turn to social media to seek assistance and raise awareness about cases of missing persons. Due to the inefficiency of the authorities and the absence of an official channel, social media has become a crucial tool in their efforts to locate their lost loved ones.
What impact does the lack of medications have on the mental health of Cubans?
The lack of medication in Cuba destabilizes patients with mental illnesses, affecting their normal behavior and increasing the risk of disorientation or getting lost. This public health issue causes distress for families who must cope with the disappearance of their loved ones.
What is the role of the Cuban government regarding the disappearances of people with mental illnesses?
The Cuban government has not established an effective official channel for searching for missing persons, especially those with mental illnesses. Families and communities are often forced to act independently due to the lack of state support in these critical situations.
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