A Cuban teenager suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a degenerative disease that leaves him bedridden, reliant on artificial respiration, and fed through a stomach tube, has been denied proper housing by the government. Sixteen-year-old Diago resides with his parents in a small house lent to them by a friend in Jaruco, Mayabeque, which lacks the necessary facilities for someone in his condition.
Local authorities are well aware of the urgent need for Diago to live near the town's polyclinic due to the severity of his health issues. However, they consistently respond with the same excuse: there is no budget available. Yaylit Díaz highlighted this case on Facebook, criticizing the Jaruco government for allocating homes to many individuals while emphasizing that "every house here has a name," implying that Diago's parents, being a low-income couple, are overlooked.
Adding to the family's challenges, Yaylit pointed out the poor state of their current dwelling and the fact that medical professionals do not visit Diago or provide him with necessary rehabilitation. "He is supposed to have a special diet, but given the current state of the country, it never arrives. Yet, the government doesn't even bother to find a few farmers to supply him with two liters of milk and four pounds of malanga, despite his need for a soft diet," she stressed.
"There is a complete lack of concern from this municipality towards the child in any aspect," she added.
This family's plight has sparked outrage among social media users. "Seeing a child like this without a decent home, as if his condition wasn’t already enough; it’s outrageous," a woman expressed.
"It's a complete lack of everything, especially shame. All the leaders know is how to seize power for themselves and steal from what little the people have," another person remarked.
"What a horrific municipality, with so many houses being used for unnecessary offices," a mother commented.
"Take a house from any overweight official of the PCC or the Jaruco government," a man demanded.
"These leaders... hopefully, they won't continue to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear, and will show some empathy for people, especially for this innocent child who is in this situation not by choice but by life's misfortune, and provide the support his parents need to continue their struggle," a young woman noted.
"This is an example of the great lie that there are no homeless in Cuba. They put blinders on the leaders so they can't hear, and blindfolds so they can't see, while hardening their hearts," a Cuban woman living in the United States stated.
Cuban Housing Crisis and Social Injustice
What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness, typically affecting boys and leading to severe disability.
Why is the Cuban government denying housing to Diago?
The Cuban government claims a lack of budget as the reason for denying housing to Diago, despite the urgent need due to his severe medical condition.
How has the community reacted to Diago's situation?
The community has expressed outrage and frustration, criticizing the local government for neglect and lack of empathy towards Diago and his family.