Syringes were found in a park in Havana, and the question is inevitable: what were they doing there?

Discarded syringes in a park in Havana reflect the collapse of the Cuban healthcare system, worsened by the rise in diseases and the lack of medical resources and personnel.

Syringes in a park in CerroPhoto © Facebook / Laritza Camacho

Related videos:

The actress and broadcaster Laritza Camacho reported that hundreds of syringes were disposed of in a park in Havana.

"And when the craziest thing seemed to be chikungunya... this scene appears in the park of La Normal, completely out of control. 'Tetanus campaign?', Camacho joked, in a post shared on Saturday, referring to the evident risk."

"The truth is that the needles are within reach of anyone, especially children playing in the area. It drives you crazy. Who will bell the cat?" he added.

Facebook

Camacho warned that these syringes should be collected by specialized personnel and with protection.

"Additionally, it is difficult because it is on the grass, collecting those materials requires protection, even if it is done by someone from the community, and a protocol must be followed, a specific way to wrap them up, and a designated place to dispose of the waste," he said.

The announcer followed up on the incident and reported on Sunday that "the area had been cleaned. Out of danger."

Collapse of the Cuban healthcare system

This event takes place while hospitals in Cuba are facing a collapse due to the increase in dengue cases and other illnesses. A shortage of medications and overburdened medical staff exacerbate the health crisis.

A Cuban mother reported last Thursday about the long lines at the "Juan Manuel Márquez" Pediatric Hospital in Havana, where dozens of children have to put their names on makeshift lists to be seen in the emergency room.

The collapse of medical services in pediatric hospitals is occurring amid a rising wave of febrile and gastrointestinal illnesses affecting the entire country.

"It’s disgusting and sad just to step inside. The families of the children are lying on the floor, trash piled up, a terrible stench in the bathrooms," wrote Facebook user Antonio Fernández after sharing a video by the Cuban Glenda Rancaño.

The activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia shared a photograph on her social media showing the medical document given to the parents of minors diagnosed with emetic syndrome at another Cuban hospital. Home rest and oral rehydration are recommended, without any type of medication or additional treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Health Crisis and Waste Management in Cuba

Why were syringes found in a park in Havana?

The syringes were found unchecked in the Normal park in Havana, which poses a serious health risk, especially for the children playing in the area. Actress and broadcaster Laritza Camacho reported this situation, leading to a subsequent cleanup of the area.

What is happening in Cuban hospitals regarding the health crisis?

Cuban hospitals are facing a collapse due to the rise in diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, the lack of medications, and the overload on medical staff. This situation has led to long wait times and unsanitary conditions in health centers.

How does waste management impact the health crisis in Cuba?

The accumulation of garbage in the streets and hospitals of Cuba contributes to the deterioration of public health and facilitates the spread of diseases. The lack of effective waste management is a constant concern, exacerbating the public health crisis in the country.

What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the collapse of the healthcare system?

The Cuban government has officially acknowledged deaths due to dengue and the circulation of several arboviruses; however, it has not implemented effective measures to address the collapse in hospitals, leaving many families without adequate care or health resources.

Filed under:

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.