Adriana, a 10-year-old girl living in the Acueducto community in the municipality of San Antonio del Sur, Guantánamo, suffers from severe cerebral palsy and chronic malnutrition.
Her case has caused an outcry on social media due to the critical conditions in which she survives, lacking access to proper nutrition, specialized medical care, and government support.
According to the public complaint made by activist Ernesto Pérez Rodríguez through his profile on Facebook, the minor has been left in a semi-vegetative state due to her medical condition and is under the exclusive care of her mother.
However, the mother does not receive any type of social assistance from the State, not even a basic check that would allow her to provide the essentials for her daughter.
Adriana lives without a diet appropriate to her diagnosis, and her family environment is facing a situation of extreme precariousness. The housing where they reside lacks minimum living conditions, and they don't even have a phone that would allow them to request urgent help in case of seizures or emergencies.
The mother also has to travel several kilometers to the nearest hospitals, which poses a serious risk to the girl.
In response to institutional abandonment, Pérez Rodríguez launched a solidarity campaign from his social media, requesting financial and material support to help the family.
He publicly shared contact numbers, bank details, and the exact address of the residence: Máximo Gómez between 13 and 14 Sur #1860, Altos, in San Antonio del Sur.
He invited both residents in Cuba and those abroad to contribute with donations, whether in cash (CUP or MLC), food, medicines, or appliances.
“I am going to post a video on my Facebook story, and I am going to make a significant request. I know we only have 13,000 followers, but together we can make it happen,” wrote Pérez. “If any micro, small, or medium enterprise would like to donate food or an appliance, I will personally come to your house.”
The post has been accompanied by images of the minor that show her serious health condition, as well as a photograph of her mother with the activist.
Ernesto Pérez had already made headlines in April of this year for his work in support of a child with Down syndrome who lives in precarious conditions, also in the eastern part of the country.
At that time, his call for solidarity managed to mobilize numerous Cubans both on the island and abroad to ensure better living conditions for the child and his family.
This new case highlights the flaws in the social assistance system in Cuba, particularly for families with members who have disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Children with Disabilities in Cuba
What is the situation of Adriana, the girl with cerebral palsy in Guantánamo?
Adriana, a 10-year-old girl with cerebral palsy and chronic malnutrition in Guantánamo, does not receive government support. She lives in precarious conditions, without access to a proper diet or specialized medical care. Her mother, who cares for her without help from the State, has to travel several kilometers to access medical services, which poses a serious risk for the girl. This situation has sparked a solidarity campaign on social media to provide them with financial and material support.
What actions have been taken to help Adriana and her family?
The activist Ernesto Pérez Rodríguez has launched a solidarity campaign through social media, requesting donations of money, food, medications, and appliances to help Adriana and her mother. Pérez has also publicly shared contact numbers and bank details to facilitate contributions and has invited small and medium-sized enterprises to join the cause. The initiative aims to improve the living conditions of the girl and her family, who are facing institutional abandonment.
Is there a widespread issue with social assistance for children with disabilities in Cuba?
Adriana's situation is not an isolated case; it reflects the shortcomings of the social assistance system in Cuba for children with disabilities. These deficiencies have been evident in multiple cases, such as Jonathan, a child with Down syndrome in Guantánamo, and other minors in different provinces who face serious difficulties due to the lack of state resources, adequate medical care, and financial support. Social media and citizen solidarity have become crucial tools to highlight and alleviate these situations.
How has the Cuban government responded to these situations of social emergency?
The Cuban government has been criticized for its lack of effective response to the social emergency situations faced by children with disabilities and their families. Despite promises to leave no one behind, many families continue to live in extreme poverty and without access to necessary services. Public complaints and solidarity campaigns have highlighted the cracks in the social assistance system in the country and the urgent need for structural solutions.
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