U.S. humanitarian aid arrives in Cuba for vulnerable families

A shipment of humanitarian aid from the United States has arrived at Havana's José Martí International Airport, destined for vulnerable families within the diocese of Pinar del Río. The cargo, consisting of 700 food kits and 700 hygiene modules, was received by Monsignor Juan de Dios Hernández Ruiz and Abel Castillo López, director of Cáritas Pinar del Río.

Volunteers from Cáritas have begun distributing supplies across rural communities in the Candelaria municipality, including Mango Dulce, Bayate, La Picadora, Tabaco Rubio, El 20, and Barrancones. Priority for the aid is being given to elderly individuals living alone, pregnant or nursing women, children under five in precarious conditions, and people with disabilities or those who are bedridden.

The food kits contain essentials such as rice, beans, oil, sugar, pasta, and canned fish, while hygiene modules include soap, detergent, toothpaste, water purification tablets, and rechargeable lamps. This delivery is part of a $100 million humanitarian program announced by the U.S. administration in May 2026. Of that total, $60 million is being channeled through Cáritas Cuba and Catholic Relief Services, with the remaining $40 million allocated to other independent organizations.