The Cuban twins, Alejandra and Laura Fernández Pérez, are in urgent need of O+ blood donations after being admitted to the burn unit at Calixto García Hospital in Havana. The plea for assistance has spread widely on Facebook, with user Evelyn Alonso Horta sharing the sisters' names in the group "Donantes de Sangre de Cuba" and urging available donors to visit the blood bank located at 23rd and 2nd streets in Vedado.
Although the causes of the injuries remain unknown, another user, Lourdes, announced on the same platform that the twins' lives are in grave danger due to multiple burns. This case highlights the emergency situation within the country's healthcare system, where blood donations have become crucial for saving lives.
The Healthcare Crisis in Cuba
The ongoing migration wave enveloping Cuba is cited by the regime as one of the primary reasons for the shortage of blood and its derivatives in the healthcare system. The state-run newspaper Girón from Matanzas province detailed the challenges facing the monthly blood extraction program, mainly due to a lack of resources and a dwindling number of eligible donors.
The article quotes Dr. José Ignacio Alonso Martínez, director of the Provincial Blood Bank Minerva Duarte, noting that the region is going through tough times. He points to the so-called "imperial blockade," population aging, increased migration, and socioeconomic difficulties as recurrent excuses for the dire situation.
The harsh reality is evident on social media: several Cuban families have resorted to these platforms to save their lives or those of their loved ones through voluntary blood donations. This is a direct result of the significant decrease in the number of donors, which dropped from approximately 389,000 in 1990 to 209,000 in 2019, according to the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI).
Just two months ago, online platforms were filled with requests for blood for a young girl and a youth involved in an accident. Activist Yoelkis Torres Tápanes also turned to social media to seek help for his mother’s surgery scheduled for late 2023 in Matanzas.
In March, another Cuban made a desperate plea for help, as his mother had been waiting more than a week for a blood transfusion. "I need a blood donation in Pilón, Granma. There are donors, but supposedly the hospital has no bags for the blood," explained Alexis Vargas in a Facebook video.
FAQs on Blood Donation Crisis in Cuba
Given the urgent need for blood donations in Cuba, many individuals have questions about the current healthcare crisis and how they can help. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Why is there a blood donation crisis in Cuba?
The blood donation crisis in Cuba is primarily due to a combination of factors including increased migration, aging population, lack of resources, and socioeconomic challenges.
How can I donate blood to help Alejandra and Laura Fernández Pérez?
To donate blood for Alejandra and Laura Fernández Pérez, visit the blood bank located at 23rd and 2nd streets in Vedado, Havana, and specify that the donation is for them.
What are the eligibility requirements for blood donation in Cuba?
Generally, blood donors in Cuba must be in good health, meet certain age and weight criteria, and pass a medical screening process to ensure they are eligible to donate.