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The story of Dayma, a sick Cuban girl in a situation of family abandonment, has shocked social media following a report by community activist Yankiel Fernández, founder of the Aliento de Vida project, which supports vulnerable individuals in Havana.
In a post on Facebook, Fernández expressed with sorrow that the minor is only under the care of her grandmother, as her mother rejects her and allegedly uses her to beg for money on the streets.
She reported that her own mother has gone so far as to label her a "monster" and a "freak," denying her the love and basic care she needs.
"There are days like today when I want to give up, leave everything behind, and say enough is enough. If I don't leave Cuba, one of the reasons is my many elderly and my more than 43 children and young people with cerebral palsy. And Dayma is a case that doesn't allow me to abandon the cause," wrote the activist.
Fernández asked for help so that the girl can obtain a humanitarian visa and receive medical treatment outside of Cuba.
"Dayma needs a humanitarian visa. I don’t know much about it, but I want them to help me so she can leave here and receive treatment where her life can be saved, and not become just another one who loses her battle due to negligence or inept people," she said.
visibly dejected, he concluded by saying that he is sad to see how the little one is deteriorating.
A netizen pointed out in the comments that the little girl lives in Corrales, between Águila and Ángeles, in the Jesús María neighborhood of Old Havana, a place characterized by poverty and marginalization.
The reality of other Cuban children seeking medical help
Dayma's case is not an isolated one. More and more Cuban families are reporting their inability to treat severe illnesses due to a lack of resources, equipment, and medications in hospitals.
A recent example is that of Brianna Charlette Blanco, a 10-year-old girl suffering from a thyroglossal cyst with a fistulous tract at the base of the tongue.
After undergoing three surgeries in Cuba, the doctors acknowledged that they did not have the means to address her case and advised seeking help abroad.
Her mother, Yanarys Rodríguez, launched a fundraising campaign to get her operated on in Miami. Although a U.S. hospital agreed to treat her, she still needs to raise the more than $32,000 that the surgery costs, in addition to overcoming the challenge of obtaining a humanitarian visa.
Another heartbreaking story is that of Meral Vaillan Figueredo, who is only three years old, diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia type BT.
Her mother, Niuvis Figueredo, has pleaded multiple times for a humanitarian visa so that her daughter can receive a bone marrow transplant outside of Cuba, as the treatments available on the island have not yielded results.
The case has mobilized activists and public figures, such as the singer Dayamí La Musa, but so far, a solution that could save his life has not materialized.
A healthcare system in crisis
These testimonies reflect a harsh reality: the so-called "powerful Cuban healthcare system," proclaimed by the regime for decades, is now unable to guarantee the specialized medical care that many children need.
The lack of medications, outdated equipment, shortages in hospitals, and the exodus of professionals have caused treatable diseases to become death sentences on the Island.
Faced with the ineffectiveness of the State, families are compelled to turn to international solidarity campaigns and to request humanitarian visas to save their children.
The case of Dayma also reveals another aspect of the crisis: child abandonment in a context where government institutions, far from providing effective support, leave minors like her at the mercy of luck or charity.
The outcry of civil society
The story of this girl, rejected by her mother, ill, and with her life at risk, adds to a long list of neglected medical emergencies in Cuba. Activists and citizens insist that her only hope is to leave the country as soon as possible.
Yankiel Fernández's call and the public denunciation are a desperate cry against the inertia of a regime that continues to prioritize propaganda over the actual health of its people.
"Everyone counts, no one is excluded," the activist recalled. But in practice, in Cuba, many like Dayma are indeed excluded. And with each passing day without an official response, the time to save their lives diminishes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dayma's Situation and the Health Crisis in Cuba
Who is Dayma and why does she need a humanitarian visa?
Dayma is a Cuban girl who is living in a situation of family abandonment and needs a humanitarian visa to receive medical treatment outside of Cuba. According to activist Yankiel Fernández, her mother rejects her and uses her to beg for money on the streets, while the girl suffers from a disease that requires specialized medical attention not available in Cuba.
What problems is the Cuban healthcare system currently facing?
The Cuban healthcare system faces serious issues of medication shortages, outdated equipment, and lack of resources. Furthermore, the exodus of healthcare professionals has worsened the situation, causing treatable diseases to turn into death sentences due to inadequate medical care.
What other stories reflect the health crisis in Cuba?
Stories like those of Brianna Charlette Blanco and Meral Vaillan Figueredo reflect the serious health crisis in Cuba. Brianna needs surgery in Miami for a thyroglossal cyst, while Meral requires a bone marrow transplant due to her leukemia. Both families have turned to fundraising campaigns and are seeking humanitarian visas to obtain treatment outside the country.
How is the Cuban health crisis affecting children?
The Cuban health crisis is leaving many children without access to adequate medical treatment, putting their lives at risk. The cases of Dayma, Brianna, Meral, and other children illustrate how the lack of resources and the collapse of the health system are severely impacting the most vulnerable in Cuba.
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