HAVANA, CUBA – United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, (OCHA) continues to be concerned that fuel shortages are curbing people’s access to essential services across Cuba.
“On Monday, authorities reported a nationwide power outage after a critical power station malfunctioned. Electricity is coming back online gradually, but this highlights the serious impact of the energy crisis on the Cuban people’s ability to access basic services.”
OCHA also reported that “uncollected garbage is piling up on street corners in Havana, with the air quality having deteriorated due to widespread burning of waste and wood for cooking.”
Authorities report that due to the lack of energy, more than 50,000 surgeries were not performed in February alone.
The UN and its partners continue to assist people in need. The Pan American Health Organisation, (PAHO) is providing medical supplies, but fuel shortages are limiting its operations.
Dozens of containers carrying humanitarian supplies are currently at the port in Havana, with additional shipments expected in the coming days. However, the scarcity of fuel is slowing down and driving up the cost of delivering aid to people who need it.
“The humanitarian community calls on member states to increase their humanitarian contributions and ensure that the delivery of aid is facilitated and unimpeded.”
