Related videos:
While Cuba is going through one of the worst health crises in recent years, the Minister of Public Health, José Ángel Portal Miranda, led several official events in Havana to present medals and awards to workers in the sector, as part of Latin American Medicine Day.
In the activities, shared by the minister himself and the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) on the social network X, the "Lázaro Peña" Order, the "Jesús Menéndez" Medal, and other distinctions were awarded to outstanding professionals in the sector. The organization stated that "perseverance and solidarity define our health heroes."
Portal Miranda also acknowledged Cuban broadcasters who "support the work of the National Health System in such diverse scenarios," and expressed gratitude for "the efforts of so many" that, as stated, "have been essential to face the challenges ahead," as shared in a post on X.
In another message, the head of MINSAP stated that “health promotion has been key in preventing HIV/AIDS and protecting those living with the disease,” on the occasion of World AIDS Day.
A context marked by epidemics and scarcity
The protocol events are taking place amidst a national health emergency that even the regime itself has had to acknowledge. The Minister of Health recently urged to "maintain the quality of services and the commitment of staff" in light of the simultaneous circulation of several viruses, after recognizing the "national epidemiological situation" and the need to "emphasize clinical-epidemiological surveillance."
According to official reports, 31,513 people have been diagnosed with suspicion of chikungunya, a disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same vector for dengue. The national director of Epidemiology, Francisco Durán García, confirmed that “we are facing an epidemic of chikungunya,” with 95 patients in intensive care, of which 63 are under 18 years old.
In recent days, the Cuban government acknowledged the death of 33 people due to dengue and chikungunya, including 21 minors, as detailed by the Deputy Minister of Health, Carilda Peña García. Health authorities indicated that the outbreak affects all 14 provinces of the country and that the infestation rate of the mosquito Aedes aegypti remains at 0.89%, a figure considered to be at high risk.
The situation has worsened with the confirmation of the circulation of the H1N1 influenza virus, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus, in a context of medication shortages, power outages, and deterioration of hospital infrastructure.
Scarcity of medicines and citizen unrest
Despite the crisis, Portal Miranda had previously celebrated on social media the Pharmaceutical Workers' Day, expressing gratitude "to those who, even amidst daily challenges, maintain an essential role in the National Health System." This gesture sparked criticism from users who questioned the tone of the posts amid the widespread shortage of medications and the spread of arboviral diseases throughout the country.
Users on social media have reacted with frustration to the posts from the minister and the MINSAP, pointing out that while the healthcare system is facing structural deficiencies, authorities are prioritizing protocol events and decorations. Others have called for transparency in epidemiological reports and effective measures to curb the spread of dengue, chikungunya, and other diseases.
Acts like these, for their part, reflect a deep disconnection between the official rhetoric and the dramatic situation faced by thousands of Cubans, who are dealing with collapsed hospitals and a shortage of essential medicines.
Filed under: