A two-year-old Cuban girl, Ester Lianet Asprón Rey, who suffers from hydrocephalus and is in critical condition at the Pediatric Hospital of Las Tunas, urgently needs a valve that could save her life.
A campaign launched on social media by activist Nelson Álvarez, also known as "El Porfiao," is calling for donations to raise the funds needed to acquire the low-pressure, self-regulating valve from outside Cuba. Álvarez shared a video on Facebook of the girl's father, who pleaded for immediate assistance to save his daughter's life.
"She urgently needs a low-pressure, self-regulating valve… Please, my daughter's life depends on this valve. It is the life of a two-year-old girl, and we are begging for help. Please, help us," the father tearfully implored.
In several recent social media posts, El Porfiao has reiterated the call for humanitarian aid. "Every minute that passes is against us. Little Ester remains in critical condition at the Pediatric Hospital of Las Tunas due to hydrocephalus. She has undergone multiple surgeries," he wrote on Monday, specifying that she urgently needs a low-pressure, self-regulating valve.
"Friends, it is our duty to make every effort to save the child's life. We are making all necessary arrangements to procure the valve from abroad, which is why we are raising funds," he explained in the post.
"It's crucial to locate this valve in the United States or any other country where it can be sent to us as soon as possible. We are raising funds for this purpose. Anyone who can help us will be blessed by God, not just by us," he added in another post on Monday.
Donations can be made to the following bank accounts: CUP-9205959879504109 and MLC-9235959873600758, or through the GoFundMe platform.
Hydrocephalus is a condition affecting patients who cannot regulate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid—produced by the ventricular system—through their body's natural pathways. Medical literature warns that in individuals with hydrocephalus, cerebrospinal fluid does not get absorbed normally by the body's venous system but accumulates in the brain's ventricles. "If left untreated, the increasing fluid volume raises intracranial pressure and can lead to serious medical conditions, such as brain tissue compression and altered blood flow to the brain."
Cuba's healthcare system, mired in a deep and prolonged crisis, fails to provide the essential medications and supplies needed by patients in the country's hospitals, such as hydrocephalus valves. As a result, family members and activists frequently turn to social media to request help in acquiring these supplies from abroad to save lives, especially those of children.
The Cuban government has acknowledged the healthcare system crisis and the shortage of drugs and supplies, which particularly affects patients with chronic illnesses. The pleas from parents about the difficulties in securing treatment for their sick children highlight the state's inefficiency in ensuring the population's health on the island.
FAQs on the Urgent Need for Hydrocephalus Valve in Cuba
Given the critical situation of Ester Lianet Asprón Rey, many questions arise regarding hydrocephalus, the necessary valve, and the broader healthcare crisis in Cuba. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What is hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a condition where cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain's ventricles, increasing intracranial pressure and potentially leading to severe medical issues if untreated.
Why is a self-regulating valve necessary for hydrocephalus patients?
A self-regulating valve helps control the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, ensuring it does not accumulate in the brain's ventricles, thereby preventing increased intracranial pressure and other complications.
How can people contribute to help Ester Lianet Asprón Rey?
Donations can be made to the bank accounts CUP-9205959879504109 and MLC-9235959873600758, or through the GoFundMe platform to raise funds for the urgently needed valve.
What are the broader implications of the healthcare crisis in Cuba?
The healthcare crisis in Cuba, marked by a severe shortage of medications and supplies, has led to increased reliance on social media campaigns and international aid to meet basic medical needs, highlighting the state's inefficiency in ensuring public health.