Cuba healthcare crisis worsens amid US fuel blockade

Cuba’s healthcare system is facing a severe crisis following a fuel blockade imposed by United States President Donald Trump. The blockade, intended to pressure the Cuban government, has resulted in nearly daily blackouts lasting up to 20 hours and acute shortages of essential medical supplies.

At the William Soler Pediatric Hospital in Havana, a specialized center for congenital heart disease, the impact has been devastating. Medical professionals report a significant decline in survival rates for newborns requiring surgery. In the first half of 2026, mortality rates for these cases have reportedly risen to over 50 percent.

Doctors note that many deaths are caused by preventable factors, including infections driven by poor hygiene, malnutrition, and a lack of antibiotics. The scarcity of resources and electricity has forced medical staff to prioritize patients, creating a situation where clinicians feel they must ‘play God’ when deciding who receives treatment.