An activist took to social media this Wednesday to request assistance for a newborn baby who has been hospitalized for over two months at the Hijas de Galicia Maternity and Children's Hospital in Havana, weighing only 2,250 grams.
Yankiel Fernández appealed for help on Facebook to provide the family with formula milk, aiming to help baby Hanna gain weight and eventually be discharged. The activist shared that the baby's mother is desperate as her daughter remains in the neonatal ward under intensive care.
“She is barely two months old, born on May 9th, and has not seen her home since birth,” Fernández noted.
Economic Crisis Worsens Vulnerable Conditions
The ongoing economic crisis in Cuba severely impacts vulnerable groups, including young children, leading to frequent pleas for assistance from low-income families.
Relatives of a Cuban boy suffering from “butterfly skin” disease are also seeking help to acquire necessary medications. The family, living in Pinar del Río, urgently requests aid for Liam Vento Garriga, who will turn two on July 19th. Liam was born with a chronic genetic disorder called Epidermolysis Bullosa, which causes blistering of the skin with minimal friction or scratching, according to a Facebook post by the profile "ElMusk Reeve".
Last June, another Cuban family sought assistance for a five-month-old baby girl requiring brain tumor surgery. The child's aunt reached out to CiberCuba to publicize the case, stating that essential medical supplies needed for the operation are unavailable in the country.
“My niece, only five months old, is hospitalized awaiting surgery. Unfortunately, one of the medical supplies she needs is a cerebrospinal fluid filter valve, which is not available,” she explained.
FAQs on Medical Assistance for Children in Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the challenges faced by vulnerable children in Cuba and the efforts to provide them with necessary medical care.
What is the current situation of baby Hanna in Havana?
Baby Hanna has been hospitalized for over two months at the Hijas de Galicia Maternity and Children's Hospital in Havana, weighing only 2,250 grams. Her mother is seeking formula milk to help her gain weight and be discharged.
What is Epidermolysis Bullosa?
Epidermolysis Bullosa, also known as "butterfly skin," is a chronic genetic disorder that causes the skin to blister easily with minimal friction or scratching. It requires specialized medical care and medications, which are often difficult to obtain in Cuba.
Why are Cuban families frequently seeking medical assistance?
The economic crisis in Cuba has worsened the availability of essential medical supplies and services, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like young children. This leads families to seek external help to obtain necessary medical care and supplies.