A shipment weighing 1,498 kilograms, consisting of medications and medical supplies, arrived in Cuba on Friday as part of UNICEF's initiative to bolster healthcare services in regions hit hardest by Hurricane Oscar, particularly Guantánamo province.
This initial donation aims to enhance healthcare for around 140,000 individuals, including pregnant women, children, and adolescents in Cuba's easternmost province, according to a statement from the international organization. Alejandra Trossero, UNICEF's representative on the island, emphasized the organization's commitment to aiding the recovery of eastern Cuba, where numerous families lost everything and at least six lives were claimed.
"We deeply regret the loss of life caused by Oscar. Our immediate response was to support national efforts in the most impacted areas, particularly ensuring that children and their families in Guantánamo have access to basic services," Trossero stated.
Essential Medical Supplies for Crisis Relief
The 60 kits provided include pain relievers, antibiotics, antifungals, and other essential medical supplies for emergencies amidst the severe humanitarian crisis in eastern Cuba.
In addition, UNICEF will supply authorities with 1,300 packs of Albendazole antiparasitic tablets to aid those affected in areas where health officials warn of rising digestive and respiratory infections, as well as dengue and Oropouche virus outbreaks.
Impact of Hurricane Oscar
The tropical storm Oscar struck eastern Cuba on October 20, unleashing rainfall exceeding 650 mm in some areas, causing river overflows and sudden floods.
UNICEF reported that San Antonio del Sur, Imías, Baracoa, and Maisí municipalities in Guantánamo were severely impacted, with over 149,000 residents experiencing disruption to essential services.
Reconstruction and Psychological Support
In cooperation with the General Directorate of Civil Protection and European Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), materials for repairing 74 damaged schools in Guantánamo were also dispatched. These include 1,000 roofing sheets, purlins, and screws. Furthermore, UNICEF plans to distribute 230 recreational kits and 214 early childhood kits to provide psychological and emotional support to more than 20,000 children. Tents and tarps will also be used to create temporary learning spaces.
In response to the Cuban regime's request, UNICEF will additionally provide 4,420 water storage tanks for household use, 870 hygiene kits, and a water purification plant to supply potable water to 15,000 people.
"We will continue to support Cuban authorities and local institutions to ensure the restoration of essential services in affected communities, and facilitate children's return to safe learning environments," Trossero concluded.
Meanwhile, the World Food Program (WFP) of the United Nations announced plans to deliver technical equipment and food modules to aid in the recovery of the Guantánamo areas devastated by Oscar. Etienne Labande, the organization's representative in Cuba, stated that the agency is coordinating tasks that include technical assistance through the provision of tents, mobile warehouses, and lighting towers independent of the electrical grid.