AGP Executive Report

Energy & health access in Cuba: Electricity was restored at the Faculty of Medicine in Santiago de Cuba after foreign students staged a pot-banging protest following 24+ hours without power, though surrounding areas still faced outages—part of a wider energy crisis hitting hospitals and daily care. Minimum wage update: Cuba’s new minimum wage (3,210 pesos) takes effect July 1, but workers won’t receive the increase until August, with health and other budgeted sectors among the main beneficiaries. Public health workforce pressure: Reports say Cuba’s public healthcare system is strained by the departure of medical personnel, adding pressure as shortages deepen. Workplace safety data: Cuba recorded 664 workplace accidents in 2025 (701 injured, 38 deaths), with manufacturing and public health/social assistance among the hardest-hit sectors. Diplomacy & embargo claims: Cuba’s embassy accused the U.S. of pressuring governments to block UN debate on the embargo, calling it a humanitarian barrier to medicine and food. Local housing risks: Havana residents in the Focsa building denounced neglect and fire hazards tied to poor repairs and lack of transparency from Cimex.

Cuba’s healthcare under strain: Cuba’s energy crisis is hitting hospitals and clinics hard, with officials and critics pointing to shortages of transport, food, and medicine alongside prolonged blackouts. Workplace safety update: Cuba’s National Statistics report says workplace accidents fell in 2025 to 664 cases, with 701 injured workers and 38 deaths, though risks remain across sectors and provinces. Public health staffing pressure: Jamaica expects more than 50 Cuban nurses to return to its public system after the end of an older cooperation arrangement, highlighting how medical personnel shortages ripple across the region. Solidarity abroad: Spain hosted the 18th National Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba, with organizers calling for renewed municipal cooperation and warning that the U.S. blockade continues to worsen conditions on the island. Humanitarian diplomacy clash: The U.S. State Department rejected Cuba’s claims that announced $100 million aid excludes food and medicine, saying major shipments are expected in July. Venezuela response spotlight: Cuba’s rescue brigade and search-and-rescue dogs received Venezuela’s “Heroes of Venezuela” medal after the earthquakes, underscoring Cuba’s medical and disaster-support role.

Humanitarian Aid Dispute: The U.S. State Department says the promised $100 million in aid to Cuba will include food and medicines and will begin major shipments in July, rejecting Díaz-Canel’s claim that it would arrive after September and without medical supplies. Dialysis Access in Crisis: Las Tunas received 10 electric taxis to transport dialysis patients amid chronic fuel shortages, with strict operating schedules to keep treatments on track. Public Health Strain from Staff Gaps: Jamaica’s health system is facing added pressure after the departure of Cuban medical personnel, with doctors warning of overcrowding, equipment shortages, and worsening conditions for nurses. Disease Watch (U.S.): The CDC is investigating a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to watery diarrhea, with Michigan reporting a surge in cases and hospitalizations. Cuba Under Threat: President Díaz-Canel warns Cuba will fight “to the last drop of blood” against any U.S. aggression as Washington escalates rhetoric and pressure. Policy Pressure at the UN: A leaked Rubio cable alleges U.S. instructions to pressure countries to block a UN debate on the humanitarian impact of the Cuba blockade.

Cuba-US Healthcare Pressure: Cuba’s deputy foreign minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío says the U.S. is pressuring other governments to end bilateral healthcare programs with the island, arguing it deprives communities of health services and adds to shortages worsened by the blockade. Energy Crisis & Care Impact: Xinhua reports Cuba’s fuel blockade is limiting operations, with Cuba receiving only one oil tanker in six months and needing far more to run normally—conditions that translate into postponed care and strained public health services. Blockade Hits Medicines & Daily Health: A Cuban-Canadian network warns the renewed U.S. blockade is intensifying blackouts, medicine shortages, and food insecurity, pushing the situation to “unprecedented” levels. Global Health Setback Watch: An AIDS-focused report warns that 2025 funding cuts are unraveling HIV prevention and treatment progress in multiple countries, including Cuba, as clinics face stockouts and health workers are laid off. Mental Health in Detention (Cuban angle): A ProPublica/Texas Tribune investigation describes how a Cuban immigrant in U.S. detention at Camp East Montana faced serious mental health failures, highlighting how rapidly built facilities can mishandle crisis care.

Cuba Healthcare Under Pressure: Cuba’s deputy foreign minister says the U.S. is pressuring other governments to end bilateral healthcare programs with the island, arguing it would cut access to health services. Energy Crisis Hits Care: Cuban President Díaz-Canel visited a Havana teaching gyneco-obstetric hospital to urge staff amid power outages, medication shortages, and transport problems, calling it “creative resilience.” Blockade’s Daily Toll: Cuban officials and diaspora groups say the blockade is driving blackouts, shortages, postponed surgeries, and even infant deaths—while also making it harder for medical supplies and backup power to reach people. Cancer Care Strained: A cancer patient in Cuba reports being unable to get a CT scan for seven months due to a broken machine and resource limits, with doctors citing inability to operate. Demographic Warning: UN-linked data presented in Havana warns Cuba could lose nearly half its population by 2100, deepening labor and health-system strain.

Healthcare Crisis in Cuba: A new AP report spotlights how Cuba’s once-universal system is failing patients as energy shortages and sanctions deepen shortages—Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital’s broken CT scanner leaves cancer patient Irisleydis Tristá unable to get scans for seven months. Sanctions & Medical Cooperation: Cuba’s deputy foreign minister says the U.S. is pressuring governments to end bilateral healthcare programs with Cuba, restricting access for patients worldwide, while Cuba’s foreign minister warns the UN may face U.S. efforts to block debate on the “maximum pressure” campaign. Local Health System Strain: Another report describes hospitals and pharmacies short on supplies and spare parts, with doctors unable to operate due to resource limits—especially hard on children with cancer. Community Response in Miami: Cuban healthcare professionals and nonprofits in South Florida announce a “911 Cuba” plan to help rebuild care if political change comes, aiming to support primary care and medical services. Policy Pressure: Cuba’s foreign ministry also says there’s “no progress” in negotiations with the U.S., as Washington tightens pressure on Havana.

Cuban Science & Health: President Díaz-Canel marked the 40th anniversary of the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), calling it a “bastion” of Revolution science and highlighting work treating diseases from COVID-19 to diabetic foot ulcers and hepatitis B. Medical Education Abroad: Cuba’s embassy in Mongolia awarded full scholarships for medicine and special education, underscoring continued academic cooperation despite the U.S. blockade. Blockade Push in U.S. Congress: Four U.S. representatives held a press conference demanding an end to the blockade and sanctions, framing the issue as international medical solidarity. Cuba-Venezuela Solidarity in Crisis: Multiple reports focus on Cuban rescue and health experts arriving in Venezuela after twin earthquakes, as the disaster response expands across hospitals, search teams, and community relief. Public Health & Food Security Worry: A Matanzas update points to prolonged power outages, while other coverage flags shortages and resilience challenges affecting daily health needs.

Renewable Energy for Care: Japan-backed solar power upgrades are set to equip 10 Cuban hospitals with photovoltaic systems and batteries to keep services running during the energy crisis, with training for hospital staff and a $6.5M budget over two years. Food Security via WFP: The UN World Food Programme is funding six months of school feeding in eastern Cuba, using Spain-Cuba debt conversion resources to buy locally produced food for 74 education centers and 12,677 children. Crisis Relief at Home and Abroad: “Cuban Amazons” online delivery services are helping families in Havana get essentials during shortages, while Cuba’s medical and rescue teams continue supporting Venezuela after deadly earthquakes. Public Health Watch: Dengue prevention is being flagged as urgent, not an afterthought, as Cuba and the region face ongoing disease risks. Maternal Nutrition Alarm: New reporting highlights that a significant share of pregnant women in Ciego de Ávila are malnourished, renewing calls for stronger nutrition support.

Earthquake Response in Venezuela: Cuba is not backing away as Venezuela reels from twin quakes (7.2 and 7.5). A second Cuban rescue and health team—surgeons and forensic specialists from the Henry Reeve Brigade—arrived in Caracas to join ongoing triage and treatment, with Cuban officials saying doctors are already treating the injured in the disaster zone. Humanitarian Strain: Reports from Venezuela’s hospitals describe overwhelmed pediatric and ICU care, with shortages of staff, medicines, and ventilators as the death toll and injuries climb. Cuba–U.S. Negotiations: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez says talks with the United States show “no progress,” blaming sanctions for worsening shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and electricity, while Cuba says it remains open to dialogue. Energy Crisis at Home: Matanzas faces prolonged blackouts (over 70 hours in some circuits) tied to failed substations and theft of transformer dielectric oil, deepening health and daily-life pressures.

Sanctions and talks: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez said talks with the United States have stalled and that U.S. sanctions are “causing deaths,” as shortages of food, fuel, medicine and electricity worsen daily life. Earthquake medicine in Venezuela: A second group of Cuban rescuers, surgeons and forensic experts from the Henry Reeve brigade arrived in Venezuela to expand search-and-rescue and medical care after the June 24 quakes. On-the-ground care: Cuban medical teams described treating patients at Venezuelan diagnostic centers, including seizures, trauma, hypertension and asthma attacks, while working alongside local staff through the night. Maternal and infant nutrition alarm in Cuba: In Ciego de Ávila, 25.2% of pregnant women face nutritional problems (including anemia), and 4.5% of infants have malnutrition—linked to gaps in maternity services and broader food scarcity. Fuel and cooking strain: In Sancti Spíritus, prolonged blackouts and lack of liquefied gas are pushing families toward expensive charcoal, with prices rising sharply. Internet access squeeze: Havana reports shrinking Wi‑Fi zones and failing mobile coverage, leaving people scrambling for limited connectivity.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Cuba is sending rescue and medical teams to help after twin quakes, with President Díaz-Canel saying doctors joined “from the very first minute” and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez highlighting the brigade’s arrival as solidarity. Maternal & Child Nutrition Alarm: In Ciego de Ávila, official figures show about a quarter of pregnant women are malnourished (351 of 1,393), including anemia cases, and 4.5% of infants under one year face malnutrition—linked to extreme poverty in many cases. Health Infrastructure Under Strain: A report from Venezuela’s Dr. José Manuel de los Ríos Children’s Hospital describes ICU limits—only four children at a time—due to shortages of staff, medicines, and ventilators. Cuba’s Blockade Impact on Health: Cuba’s UN envoy denounced the U.S. blockade and fuel embargo as barriers to financing, remittances, and technology for health and food production. Power for Clinics: The International Red Cross backed a Urbano Noris medical clinic with solar and battery storage to keep emergency services running during the fuel crisis. Food Security Boost: The World Food Programme approved about $116M in food aid for Cuba from 2026–2030 despite U.S. pressure.

Polio Vaccination Drive: Guantánamo reported 99% coverage in its first phase of the oral bivalent poliomyelitis campaign, vaccinating 14,104 children while keeping the cold chain despite power outages. Cuban Medical Response Abroad: Cuba’s search-and-rescue brigade with three trained dogs arrived in earthquake-hit Venezuela to support survivor searches alongside Venezuelan civil protection and health workers. US Sanctions on Cuba: New U.S. measures target Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and family, plus Cuban institutions tied to the armed forces and other state bodies, amid ongoing fuel and humanitarian strain. Healthcare Under Pressure: A Cuban pediatric doctor said he keeps working out of vocation despite economic pressure pushing many professionals toward private options. Venezuela Quake Fallout: Reports describe a rapidly rising death toll and overwhelmed local services, with international rescue teams and aid supplies pouring in as families search for missing relatives. Local Health Safety Watch: A Matanzas alert flagged the dangerous African giant snail, raising concerns about spread and public health risk. US Health Fraud Crackdown (Context): The U.S. announced a major Medicare/Medicaid fraud takedown, including cases tied to wound care and opioid distribution.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Cuban rescue teams and canine units have arrived to help search and rescue after the June 24 double quake, with Cuba’s brigade set to integrate with Venezuelan civil protection and emergency services in La Guaira. Missing People & Health Impact: Families in Havana are still waiting for news of two young Cubans missing after building collapse in Venezuela, underscoring how disasters can quickly turn into long medical and humanitarian crises. Cuba Healthcare Workforce Pressure: A Cuban pediatric doctor says she keeps working out of vocation despite a system that pushes medical professionals toward private options, highlighting the strain on public care. Local Health Incident: A nurse in Guantánamo, Isis Faure Vivas, died after an electric tricycle overturned, while other victims were taken to pediatric care. Public Health Context: A report flags ongoing COVID-19 concerns in Cuba tied to imported cases, reminding readers that respiratory outbreaks can spread fast. Food & Medicine Access: Cuba’s shortages and medication gaps remain a major worry, with reports from provinces describing how supply problems affect everyday treatment.

Medication Shortages: Sancti Spíritus health officials say more than 300 medicines are in shortage, while hemodialysis, maternal-infant care, and critical patient treatment are being kept “stable” through an emergency transfer system. Power Crisis: Cuba’s electricity system is forecast to hit severe nighttime impact, with the grid availability far below peak demand as multiple units stay offline or under maintenance. Public Health & Heat Stress: A Matanzas mother is urgently seeking help for a solar panel after her three children were diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis, raising fears that Cuba’s blackouts and lack of ventilation could worsen dehydration and complications. Invasive Species Alert: Matanzas authorities warn about the African giant snail’s spread, citing its potential to carry parasites and trigger serious health risks. Food Aid Diplomacy: Cuba celebrates UN World Food Programme approval for continued food security support through 2030, framing it as a blow to U.S. efforts to block aid. Regional Health Solidarity: Cuban doctors and medical brigades continue supporting Venezuela’s earthquake response as the death toll and missing persons counts climb.

Medication Shortage: Sancti Spíritus health services report a shortage of over 300 medications, while claiming “stable” coverage for hemodialysis, maternal-infant care, and critical patients. Power Crisis: Cuba’s electricity system is under severe strain, with the general director of Electricity warning outages could hit a nighttime peak impact of 2,165 MW as availability falls far below demand. Heat + Illness Care: A Cuban mother of three children with infectious mononucleosis is urgently seeking help to buy a solar panel to keep their sleeping area cool amid blackouts and fears of dehydration. Food Aid Win at UN: Cuba’s foreign ministry says the U.S. was isolated at the UN World Food Programme after a vote kept cooperation running through 2030, framing it as a blow against Washington’s pressure tactics. Public Health Risk Alert: Matanzas authorities confirm the African giant snail has been detected, warning of health risks tied to parasites and possible spread to crops. Venezuela Earthquake Fallout: As Venezuela’s quake death toll rises, Cuban officials and doctors are highlighted in solidarity efforts, while Cuba’s foreign ministry and others push back on U.S. motives in the response. Local Unrest: Cubalex reports arrests tied to protests and a fire at the Olo Pantoja memorial house in Contramaestre, with minors among those detained.

Climate & Health: An Arctic blast brought Cuba its first recorded freezing temperatures, with northern stations hitting about 32°F (0°C in Perico), plus heavy surf and coastal flooding—raising risks for vulnerable people amid existing power, water, and fuel shortages. Blockade & Wellness: A University of Holguín–University of Almería collaboration is promoting self-care in Holguín communities, aiming to help prevent metabolic diseases, eating disorders, and sexually transmitted infections despite the U.S. blockade. Disaster Response: Cuban medical teams remain deployed in Venezuela after twin quakes (7.2 and 7.5), with authorities confirming staff safety and continued emergency care in La Guaira and other affected areas. Care Access Under Pressure: A Supreme Court decision allowing deportations of asylum seekers working under Temporary Protected Status could disrupt staffing for immigrant-heavy healthcare roles, threatening home care and nursing home capacity. Local Safety & Violence: A Cuban woman’s killing case in Guyana includes police claims that a teddy bear was used as a silencer during the shooting, with the suspect charged with murder.