A Cuban family is urgently seeking help to obtain a crucial medication that could prevent their 9-year-old son, Eryel Yaniel Triana Oliva, from undergoing a sixth surgery.
Activist Yankiel Fernández shared the family's plea on Facebook, revealing that the young boy suffers from bilateral cryptorchidism, a condition preventing his testicles from descending.
Desperate Call for Help
"He has undergone five surgeries, including an initial laparoscopy," Fernández stated, stressing the urgent need for chorionic gonadotropin to treat the boy. The doctors have indicated that the child needs a three-month treatment to avoid another surgery, which could involve the removal of his testicles due to cancer risks.
"Please help save a life," the activist pleaded, emphasizing the immediate need for assistance.
Verified and Genuine Case
To clear any doubts, Fernández assured that the case has been verified and confirmed that the family is among those they are supporting. In Cuba, the severe shortage of medications forces people to turn to social media and community solidarity to address medical issues.
Recurring Medical Crises
This isn't an isolated incident. In April, a 21-year-old Cuban diagnosed with aplastic anemia required medication to combat his illness, as reported by journalist Javier Díaz on Facebook. "Urgent! Help needed for Leodanis Morales Alemán, a young man with aplastic anemia in Nuevitas, Camagüey," Díaz appealed to the Cuban community and anyone willing to assist.
Similarly, in March, parents of a five-year-old Cuban boy with myeloid leukemia M5 sought an injectable medication called etoposide VP-16, specifically requesting five vials to treat their son.
Ongoing Medication Shortages
Despite these urgent needs, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel in March acknowledged that shortages of medications and medical supplies would persist. Pharmacies across the island remain largely empty, lacking numerous essential products.
"Given the scarcity of supplies and medications, the best response we can offer our population in these challenging times is quality service. Shortages will continue; we will remain short on medications," Díaz-Canel admitted.