Ana Aloma, the grieving mother whose baby recently passed away in Sancti Spíritus, is demanding justice for her child. In a heartfelt statement, she rejected medical authorities' claims that her baby's condition was "incompatible with life." Aloma pointed out that there are at least six known cases of Methylmalonic Aciduria in Cuba, a rare genetic disorder, with patients leading "relatively normal lives with proper treatment."
Allegations of Medical Negligence
Despite this, Aloma accused the medical staff of failing to follow the appropriate protocols, which she believes contributed to her son's tragic death. She claimed that her child was subjected to an "experiment" by being administered the pentavalent vaccine without the necessary tests and research recommended by the Provincial Maternal and Child Health Program (PAMI).
Additionally, she criticized the prescribed diet for her baby, describing it as "very poor" compared to diets for other children with the same condition. Aloma directly accused Dr. Magdalena Guirado Espinosa of negligence and called for her removal from the health system, asserting that she has evidence to support her claims. According to Aloma, the doctor never responded to urgent calls from the family seeking advice on her son's condition.
Despite her anguish, Aloma expressed gratitude for the Intensive Care Unit team at the Sancti Spíritus Pediatric Hospital, acknowledging their efforts to save her son.
A Struggle for Resources and Support
The baby's death highlights the challenges Cuban families face in accessing essential medications and supplies. In early February, Aloma desperately sought zinc sulfate for her son via social media, willing to obtain it at any cost. On January 31, she also appealed for help to receive special food purchased by the baby's grandparents in the United States, but they struggled to find a way to send it to Cuba. Aloma even requested that the country facilitate its delivery through the Red Cross.
She voiced her frustration with Cuban institutions' lack of response to her pleas. Aloma submitted medical documentation to the People's Power to request a special gas allocation to care for her son, yet she received no reply. "How long is this going to continue? They're playing with a human life, please," she lamented.
On February 10, another emotional post shared the worsening state of her son's health. By February 16, a sorrowful message confirmed the tragic outcome.
Being a Neo Mom: A Daily Battle
Soon after her baby's birth, Ana Aloma shared an emotional piece on social media, explaining what it means to be a "Neo Mom." This term refers to mothers of premature babies who spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. "Neo" is short for "neonatal," covering the period from birth to the first 28 days of a baby's life.
"Neo moms are those you see wandering the hospital with a wristband, a water bottle, a backpack, and a tired face. They are moms whose dream of a perfect birth was taken away by fate. They are mothers of babies who couldn't stay inside because of urgent medical needs. They are mothers of relentless WARRIORS fighting to live and adapt."
In the Neo unit, you learn that these small and fragile beings are actually LIONS in disguise. Ten grams gained is the best gift of the day. Alarms initially drive you crazy, but soon you realize the importance of seeing your baby warm, pink, and normal looking. You master changing tiny diapers with a delicate touch, careful not to break any bones, and taking your baby in and out of the incubator without pulling on wires or tubes. You learn thorough handwashing and disinfecting, as if a deadly virus were at stake.
You cry outside from fear and uncertainty but smile inside with joy when your baby is placed on your chest. You know every baby's name there and celebrate each milestone. You pray to GOD constantly, grateful for your little Lion's progress. The pain of leaving your baby each night is indescribable, but you do it to 'Sleep, Eat, Bathe, and regain strength' for the next day. The journey of Neo moms is tough, long, and distressing, but the strength you find is unimaginable.
You'll never be the same again. The empathy you'll feel for another mom is beautiful because when you look at her, you'll see she's on the same battlefield, her child the fiercest WARRIOR, fighting to go home together. These are the strongest women I've ever known..."
Tragically, in this instance, the battle ended in heartbreak. Now, this Cuban mother seeks justice for her son, hoping no other mother on the island has to endure what she has experienced.
Cuban Healthcare and Parental Concerns
What condition did the baby suffer from?
The baby suffered from Methylmalonic Aciduria, a rare genetic disorder.
What allegations did the mother make against the hospital staff?
The mother alleged that the hospital staff did not follow proper protocols and experimented on her child by administering the pentavalent vaccine without necessary tests.
How did the mother describe the diet prescribed for her baby?
She described the diet as "very poor" compared to those of other children with the same condition.