Despite the challenges posed by a 6-decade economic embargo imposed by the United States, Cuba has built a strong healthcare system. The country counts almost the same population as Belgium but with a higher ratio of practicing physicians per inhabitant.
However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, healthcare professionals were struggling to face the extensive emergency, and the island nation faced the complex challenge of containing the spread of the virus.
Vulnerable Cubans were among the hardest hit, mainly due to the difficulty purchasing hygiene products and protective equipment. Many workers lost their jobs because they could not afford the few protective items available on the market needed to perform their daily tasks.
The EU funded UNICEF to support them by delivering hygiene kits and water storage instruments so families could keep their homes clean and have tools to store water safely.
Video © UNICEF Cuba, 2022. All right reserved. Licensed to the European Union under conditions.
Publication date: 09/12/2022
