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WHO Chief Warns Health at Risk from Geopolitics Amid Cuba Crisis

The WHO Director-General has issued a stark warning that health must never be held hostage to geopolitics, highlighting the deeply concerning situation in Cuba. The country's healthcare system is struggling with severe energy shortages caused by an ongoing US blockade, leading to postponed surgeries and risks for vulnerable patients. A humanitarian aid flotilla carrying food, medicine, and solar panels has arrived in Havana to offer support. The crisis unfolds amid continued political pressure from the US seeking regime change in Cuba.

Key Points: WHO DG: Health Must Not Be Hostage to Geopolitics, Cuba Crisis

  • Cuba's hospitals struggle with power outages
  • Surgeries postponed, patients at risk
  • Humanitarian aid flotilla arrives with supplies
  • US energy blockade deepens crisis
  • WHO urges support for life-saving services
3 min read

"Health should never be at mercies of geopolitics": WHO DG on Cuban Healthcare crisis

WHO Director-General Tedros warns Cuba's healthcare is crippled by energy blockades and power outages, putting patients at grave risk.

"Health should be protected at all costs and never be at the mercies of geopolitics, energy blockades and power outages. - Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus"

Geneva, March 26

Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Thursday said that health should be protected at all costs and never be at the mercy of geopolitics, energy blockades and power outages with respect to Cuba.

Ghebreyesus said that the situation in Cuba is deeply concerning as the country struggles to maintain health service delivery.

"Health should be protected at all costs and never be at the mercies of geopolitics, energy blockades and power outages. The situation in Cuba is deeply concerning as the country struggles to maintain health service delivery at a time of immense turbulence, leading to energy shortages that have been affecting health."

"Reports show that Cuban hospitals have been struggling to maintain emergency and intensive care services. Thousands of surgeries have been postponed during the last month, and people needing care, from cancer patients to pregnant women preparing for delivery, have been put at risk due to lack of power to operate medical equipment and cold chain storage for vaccines," he said.

"While I am encouraged by Cuba's efforts to restore power to support services, people's health, and the services that support them, cannot be left at the mercies of fluctuating power and geopolitics. Cuba's hospitals, clinics and ambulances are needed now, more than ever, and must be supported to perform their life-saving work," he added.

The first boat in a humanitarian aid flotilla has arrived in Cuba to support the island amid a worsening US energy blockade that is deepening its economic and energy crises, as per Al Jazeera.

A boat carrying about 30 people, including food, medicine, solar panels, and bicycles, arrived in Havana, the capital city, on Tuesday, part of the "Nuestra America" or "Our America" convoy that set out from Mexico last week, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The convoy comes as US President Donald Trump and his allies continue to express their desire for regime change in Cuba, using greater energy restrictions to further degrade the Cuban economy. Trump has stated that he could "take" Cuba and select a government more amenable to US demands.

The vessel on Tuesday -- called the "Granma 2.0" in reference to the boat that ferried Cuban revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro to the island as part of an effort to overthrow the regime of US-backed strongman Fulgencio Batista -- departed from Puerto Progreso, in Merida, Mexico, last week. Two other vessels are also en route, as reported by Al Jazeera.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's a complex issue. While I agree health shouldn't be a political tool, countries also have sovereignty. The article mentions the US desire for regime change. Isn't that internal politics? Still, postponing surgeries and risking pregnant women is unacceptable, no matter the politics.
R
Rohit P
This hits close to home. We in India know the value of a robust public health system, especially after COVID. No country should weaponize basic needs like energy against another. The humanitarian flotilla is a good step. Hope the solar panels help create some sustainable power.
S
Sarah B
A very principled statement from the WHO. But I have a respectful criticism: the WHO itself often gets caught in geopolitics. It needs to practice what it preaches consistently across all regions and conflicts, not just in select cases. Its credibility depends on impartiality.
V
Vikram M
The symbolism of the boat named "Granma 2.0" is not lost. History repeating itself. As an Indian, we've always believed in non-alignment and solving issues through dialogue. Blockades only hurt ordinary people. The world needs more cooperation, especially in health. Jai Hind.
K
Kavya N
Imagine being a cancer patient or a mother-to-be in that situation. Terrifying. This is why self-reliance in energy and medical supplies is so crucial. India's push for Aatmanirbharta in these sectors makes complete sense in light of such global events.

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