The deterioration of the streets surrounding the Pediatric Hospital in Centro Habana reflects the deep infrastructure crisis affecting the capital and directly impacting Cuban families.
In a video shared by CiberCuba on social media, water leaks, mud, and craters in the pavement create a scene that has sparked outrage among hundreds of users online.
"That place has always been a mess, it's not something new. That hospital treated me my entire life for my allergies, and then my daughter. The streets have always been in poor condition, and they must be worse now with standing water," shared a user who expresses the sentiment of many.
Another neighbor in the area reported, "I live on that very street, and there’s no shame. All of Cuba is like this, and nobody cares. All the ambulances go to the children's hospital through this street, and all it does is disgust me—just mud and holes."
Years of negligence have caused water leaks to become a constant issue, with superficial repairs that fail to resolve the problem. "That right there is a never-ending situation. There has been a water leak for years on that entire block of Desagüe Street. They fix it poorly, and the leak returns almost immediately," commented another resident.
A situation that affects public health
The crisis is not just aesthetic; it poses a direct risk to public health. Puddles of clean water from leaks turn into breeding grounds for mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti, which transmits dengue, as well as the chigger, which carries the oropouche virus, with elevated numbers reported in 2024.
A few hours ago, Dr. Francisco Durán, the national director of Hygiene and Epidemiology, described the current epidemiological situation in the country as complex due to the co-circulation of multiple viruses, including dengue and oropouche, with several cases in critical condition.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) insists on the need for the population to keep their surroundings clean, even though the authorities are unable to ensure the minimum conditions needed to prevent these disease outbreaks. "There is no water in the houses, and they waste it with leaks that the government does not fix," a user reported.
In addition to the poor external conditions of the hospital, there are serious internal problems. According to a worker from MINSAP, the third floor of the facility has no electricity due to the lack of a transformer, leaving consultation rooms dark and inoperative. She also reported the absence of essential medications in the pharmacies and the suspension of medical services.
An urgent question
In the midst of the collapse, one comment encapsulates the desperation: "What is more costly: fixing that or preventing deaths from diseases that could be avoided?"
The Pediatric Hospital of Centro Habana, a key institution for children's health in Cuba, is facing not only the neglect of its infrastructure but also the burden of a system that seems incapable of addressing the most basic needs of the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Infrastructure and Health Crisis at the Pediatric Hospital of Centro Habana
What is the current situation of the Pediatric Hospital in Centro Habana?
The Pediatric Hospital of Centro Habana is facing a serious deterioration of its infrastructure. The streets surrounding the hospital are filled with water leaks, mud, and potholes, reflecting a broader infrastructure crisis affecting the entire city. This deterioration poses a significant public health risk, as the puddles become breeding grounds for mosquitoes that transmit diseases such as dengue and oropouche.
How do water leaks affect public health in Centro Habana?
Water outlets create favorable conditions for the proliferation of mosquitoes such as Aedes aegypti, the carrier of dengue, and the no-see-um, a vector for the oropouche virus. These diseases have shown a significant increase in 2024, with severe cases reported. The stagnation of water in the streets not only impacts urban aesthetics but also becomes an urgent public health issue, particularly in a context where health infrastructure is already overwhelmed.
What internal problems is the Centro Habana Pediatric Hospital facing?
The hospital is facing serious internal problems, such as a lack of electricity on its third floor due to the absence of a transformer, leaving several consultation rooms inoperative. Additionally, there is a shortage of essential medications and suspended medical services, contributing to the collapse of an already weakened healthcare system.
What actions has the Cuban government taken in response to the health and infrastructure crisis?
Despite government statements about the increase in epidemiological surveillance, the reality shows that the actions taken are insufficient. The lack of resources for fumigation campaigns and poor waste management worsen the situation. Authorities have urged the population to keep their environments clean, but without the support of effective structural measures, the crisis continues.
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