AGP Executive Report

Cuba Health & Care Reform: Cuba’s National Assembly wrapped up talks on a major economic overhaul, including easing rules on land use, letting some private firms import fuel and medications, and expanding private tourism—while stressing there will be no privatization of healthcare or other “strategic” services. Hospital Support in Santiago de Cuba: A Swiss NGO says supplies for two hospital gasometers have reached Havana and are headed to Santiago de Cuba, aiming to keep equipment running for about 13,700 critical lab analyses for newborns, ICU patients, and seriously ill people. Medical Workforce Pressure: A Cuban neurologist describes working at “half capacity” due to shortages and unreliable transport, while low pay and poor conditions push specialists to leave. Care Access via Private Pharmacies: Cuba eased restrictions on private vendors and imports, including allowing private pharmacies to sell medicines, after shortages left patients struggling to get seizure and diabetes-related drugs. Training & Equity Debate: A Hotel Nacional video of foreign medical graduates sparked backlash as Cubans compared the polished ceremonies to their own graduation experiences. Humanitarian Strain: Jamaica says it’s still supporting students studying in Cuba despite the energy crisis, including help for those needing to return home.

Cuba Health System Under Strain: A new report highlights Cuban doctors’ complaints about low pay, unreliable transport, and hospitals running at “half capacity,” with patients arriving worse because preventive care has been suspended during energy-saving measures. Economic Reforms With a Health Angle: Cuba eased restrictions on private vendors and imports, including allowing medicines to be sold by private pharmacies—aimed at easing shortages worsened by the U.S.-driven fuel crisis. Fuel Retail Opens to Private Firms: Cuba authorized non-state operators to wholesale and retail fuel, a move tied to months of empty gas stations and disrupted transport, with foreign investment expected to help expand capacity. Policy Updates in Parliament: The 7th Ordinary Session continued with debate on laws including housing, labor, and administrative organization, while Prime Minister Marrero reported progress on economic and social transformations amid intensified U.S. pressure. Medical Missions Continue: An Ignatian retreat campus in the Caribbean is serving as a hub for volunteer medical missions, supporting care for hundreds of patients despite regional hardship.

Private-sector opening: Cuba eased restrictions on non-state businesses and imports, removing 46 of 125 previously blocked activities and expanding what private firms can do as shortages worsen under a U.S. fuel and energy blockade. Healthcare pay backlash: A Cuban doctor on social media blasted the new healthcare salary scale (effective July 1, paid in August) as roughly “$10 a month,” sparking outrage over the gap with living costs. Pharmacy and pharma services: New rules allow private participation in pharmaceutical services for SMEs and cooperatives under sanitary requirements, while hospital and medical care remains state responsibility. Local care upgrade: Holguín’s José Ávila Serrano Polyclinic added an EEG machine to its intensive care unit, aiming to cut delays for epilepsy, head injury, and cerebrovascular cases during the fuel crisis. Policy push in parliament: Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz defended the reforms as “not deviating” from socialism, while also announcing major state restructuring, including cuts to ministerial positions. Sanctions pressure: Cuba said more than 7,000 containers with food, water supplies, energy-program inputs, and vital medicines are still stuck in Caribbean ports due to U.S. sanctions.

Private-sector openings amid shortages: Cuba moved to loosen restrictions on several crisis-hit sectors, allowing private firms to operate in areas like petrol distribution, electricity generation, rubbish collection, and even pharmaceutical services—an attempt to ease shortages tied to the U.S. energy blockade. Health workforce pipeline: Seven Vincentians graduated from Cuban medical and nursing programs under government scholarships, underscoring Cuba’s continued role in training clinicians for regional health needs. Pharma services for SMEs: Cuba authorized pharmaceutical services for small businesses and cooperatives, expanding non-state participation in a sector closely linked to medicine access. Teacher training controversy (parenting + medical decisions): A U.S. debate over “adultism” is spilling into teacher training materials, with critics warning it could undermine parental authority over sensitive choices. Community health alarm: A complaint in Mayarí, Holguín, says a malnourished psychiatric patient was found by the roadside, pointing to gaps in care and trust in public health response. Garbage crisis spotlight: Havana comedian Ulises Toirac again highlighted overflowing waste containers, linking the sanitation breakdown to public health risks. Salary updates for the budgeted sector: Cuba set a new minimum basic wage of 3,210 CUP for the budgeted workforce, with broader pay ranges by complexity group. Aid to Cuba: Tampa Bay groups sent solar panels, food, and medicine to vulnerable residents as power outages and clean-water shortages continue.

Housing & Health Safety: In Central Havana, residents evicted over a building-collapse risk say authorities offered no alternative and they’ve been sleeping on the street for over two weeks, raising urgent concerns for vulnerable families. Malnutrition & Mental Health Care: A psychiatric patient in Mayarí, Holguín, was found collapsed on a highway in extreme malnutrition; the case is framed by activists as institutional abandonment. Public Health & Water: On World Hepatitis Day, Cuban state media downplays outbreaks while linking prevention to hygiene and boiled water—advice that clashes with chronic water and power problems. Sanitation Crisis: Comedian Ulises Toirac again highlights Havana’s garbage-collection breakdown, warning of infection risks as waste piles up. Private Sector Health Services: Decree 160/2026 eases restrictions for non-state actors, authorizing pharmaceutical, optical, caregiving, and rehabilitation services under health licenses. Workforce Pay: Cuba sets new minimum wages for the budgeted sector (3,210 CUP) and updates teachers’ salaries, with increases affecting health and education workers. Aid & Access: Tampa Bay groups report sending solar panels, food, and medicine to Cuba amid ongoing power, food, and clean-water shortages.

Cuba’s Social Protection Reset: Cuba is redefining its social assistance model, shifting state support toward people identified as being in “situations of vulnerability,” as officials say resources are limited and aid must better target those who need it most. Energy Crisis Reality Check: A new report on life under near-daily blackouts shows Cubans adapting fast—switching vehicles, using imported batteries, and improvising power solutions to keep households running. Health Under Pressure: The U.S. is again accused of worsening Cuba’s health situation through sanctions targeting the sector and medical missions, with critics warning humanitarian needs are growing while pressure tactics intensify. Pensions and Daily Hardship: A viral account highlights how low retirement payments can be—one pensioner’s check is described as far below what’s needed for basic living, underscoring the strain on older Cubans. Solidarity in Action: Cuban medical and rescue teams have returned from Venezuela after earthquake support, with health workers and engineers part of the Henry Reeve contingent. Justice Delayed for a Cuban Artist: In Miami, a suspect in reggaeton star El Taiger’s shooting rejected a plea deal, pushing the murder trial to 2027.

Cuba Health & Care Under Pressure: Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel used National Rebellion Day in Pinar del Río to denounce new U.S. sanctions targeting Cuba’s public health system and medical brigades, calling the pressure “genocidal” and warning it is driving shortages and worsening the island’s power and health crisis. Local Health Impacts: In Havana’s Diez de Octubre, residents say they’re learning about major government decisions too late and report worsening daily conditions—garbage, flies, blackouts, water interruptions—and illness in families, including diarrhea in a grandson. Access & Affordability: A new bus route between Matanzas and Havana launched at 3,000 pesos per trip, sparking backlash as it may consume a large share of average monthly income. Regional Health Solidarity: The OECS reaffirmed its partnership with Cuba, highlighting cooperation “in health” and praising Cuba’s doctors and education support despite the long U.S. embargo. Health Supply Strain: Cuba’s fuel and electricity crisis is also hitting exports like cigars, with retailers reporting severe supply squeezes—an indirect sign of broader strain on logistics that can affect health-related goods too.

Cuba-US Health Impact: Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel used the July 26 Moncada anniversary rally to denounce the U.S. blockade as “maximum economic suffocation,” saying it’s driving blackouts and worsening health conditions, including medicine shortages. Diplomatic Ripple Effects: Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced sweeping embassy and consulate closures and said Colombia would sever ties with Cuba (and Nicaragua), a move that could affect regional cooperation, including health-linked partnerships. Regional Health Cooperation: Cuba and the OECS highlighted ongoing collaboration as a new Cuban ambassador-designate was accredited, with officials stressing solidarity despite Cuba’s long-running embargo. Community Prevention in Action: A Cuba-backed free health drive in Banjul North (Gambia) offered screenings for diabetes and hypertension, provided free medication, and referred patients for further care—showing Cuba’s medical outreach model beyond the island. Local Health Access Strain: A report from Güira de Melena described an outpatient clinic with no medicines and no ambulance for an injured child, underscoring how shortages hit everyday care. Sanitation & Health Risks: Guantanamo Bay’s NAVSTA completed a major tire reclamation project to reduce fire hazards and improve solid waste practices, a reminder that waste control is tied to public health.

Health & Care Under Strain: Cuba’s health system is again in the spotlight as President Miguel Díaz-Canel links U.S. “maximum economic suffocation” and a new oil embargo to blackouts, shortages, and what he calls genocide against the island’s people. Public Health Alert: Havana residents report a spreading bedbug infestation, with mattresses and sofas abandoned and some people burning furniture to stop the insects moving into homes. Medical Access Update: In Pinar del Río, new electric taxis are being assigned to transport hemodialysis patients, easing the burden for renal care users and drivers. Human Rights vs. Reality: Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez touts Cuba’s human-rights commitment after the UN reappoints Volker Türk, while independent groups cite record political prisoners and thousands of repressive actions. Healthcare Workforce & Training: Holguín’s University of Medical Sciences convened a “First 360” master’s degree convention, highlighting advances in diagnosis, treatment, and new medical technologies. Power Crisis Context: The July 26 rally in Pinar del Río featured Raúl Castro’s first long absence in decades, amid widespread mockery over ongoing electricity cuts.

Denaturalization Push: The Trump administration is sharply accelerating denaturalization, aiming for at least 250 citizenship cases by October, including a Cuban American tied to $886,000 in Medicare fraud. Humanitarian Aid in Focus: Cáritas Cuba is in its second phase of Hurricane Melissa relief in eastern provinces, with $6M planned and help reaching 1,400 families so far. Healthcare Under Strain: Cuba’s health minister says the system is collapsing under sanctions—over 100,000 people are waiting for surgery, infant mortality rose to 9.9 per 1,000, and cancer survival is worsening. Energy Crisis & Health Risks: Reports describe worsening blackouts and water shortages, with UN warnings that the crisis is hitting health and sanitation. Local Wellness & Training: Holguín Botanical Garden expands summer activities despite fuel limits, and UCMHolguín hosts a “First 360” master’s convention for health sciences. Digital Health & Connectivity: Cuba’s communications minister attended the World Internet Conference forum in Xi’an, where “digital and intelligent health” was on the agenda.

Mosquito control under strain: A new report says electronic repellents, bracelets, and citronella candles don’t hold up, while Cuba’s once-strong mosquito control has weakened amid the economic crisis—fueling dengue and chikungunya risk. Health system pressure from sanctions: Cuba’s health minister warned at BRICS that the blockade and energy siege are driving a collapse in care, citing over 100,000 people waiting for surgery (including 12,000 children) and rising infant mortality to 9.9 per 1,000. Energy crisis hitting care: Díaz-Canel denounced U.S. “maximum pressure” as “collective punishment,” pointing to doubled infant mortality and a surgical waiting list above 100,000 as blackouts and shortages worsen. International medical solidarity: Cuba’s Henry Reeve brigade and Cuban engineers are set to return after earthquake rescue work in Venezuela, recognized for technical and humanitarian support. Local health-related emergencies: Two men were rescued after a building collapse in Colón, Matanzas, linked to illegal demolition. Health education momentum: Holguín’s UCMHo held a “First 360” master’s convention to share advances in diagnosis, treatment, and medical training.

Health Crisis & Access: Cuba’s Health Minister José Ángel Portal Miranda told BRICS health ministers that the island’s system is deteriorating fast—over 100,000 people are waiting for surgery (including 12,000 children), infant mortality rose to 9.9 per 1,000 live births by end-2025, and cancer survival has worsened as first-line treatments become harder to reach. Sanctions Pressure on Care: Cuba denounced new U.S. restrictions aimed at medical services and cooperation structures, calling them an attack on the human right to access health care for hundreds of thousands. Power, Water, and Disease Link: As blackouts near record levels, Cuba’s health and sanitation strain deepens; reports tie prolonged outages and water problems to outbreaks, including hepatitis A, and highlight how hospitals face long daily power cuts. Medical Missions in the Crosshairs: The U.S. also targeted Cuba’s international medical missions and related entities, raising concerns about continuity of care for patients abroad and the strain on Cuba’s own health sector. Local Health Reality Check: A Havana visit to “Clínico de 26” framed doctors’ daily arrivals after long nights without power as “heroism,” underscoring shortages of essential medicines and ongoing hospital electricity gaps.

Sanctions and healthcare access: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez condemned new U.S. sanctions aimed at Cuban medical cooperation, saying they “attack the human right to access health services” for hundreds of thousands worldwide. On-the-ground hospital strain: Díaz-Canel visited Havana’s Clínico de 26 and praised doctors’ “heroism” amid power cuts and fuel shortages, while reporting cited earlier shortages of essential medicines and major surgery backlogs. Medication blocked at sea: Medicuba says two containers of epilepsy medicine (sodium valproate) were held in Colombia by Hapag-Lloyd, citing U.S. blockade compliance—raising alarms for patients who need continuous treatment. Clinic conditions under pressure: A father in Güira de Melena described an outpatient clinic with poor lighting and no medicines, saying staff lacked key drugs and even basic support during night shifts. Policy ripple effects: The U.S. updated nonimmigrant visa processing rules, requiring Cubans to schedule interviews at the embassy/consulate in their country of nationality or residence, with limited exceptions. Health diplomacy: Cuba told BRICS health ministers that the embargo and energy blockade are harming the health sector and urged resilient systems and “One Health” cooperation. Rebuilding after transition: A Miami forum on rebuilding Cuba highlighted that future recovery will hinge on attracting private investment and diaspora participation, with healthcare flagged as an urgent priority.

U.S. Sanctions and Health: The U.S. expanded sanctions on Cuba’s energy and medical services, naming nine entities and two Cuban officials, including groups tied to overseas medical missions—Havana says the goal is to pressure the whole population and worsen humanitarian conditions. Energy Crisis Impact: Cuba’s foreign minister and health officials warned that the blockade and energy embargo are driving severe strain on hospitals and access to care, with Cuba denouncing “collective punishment” ahead of BRICS health talks. Infrastructure Transition Talk: In Miami, Cuban American experts discussed how a future democratic transition could rebuild Cuba’s roads, rail, ports, water, and power—arguing private capital and modern tech should be brought in from the start. Local Health Strain: In Camagüey, officials and residents described daily life under prolonged outages that disrupt hospitals and drinking water, with the Nuevitas plant cited as a trigger for system-wide blackouts. Community Fundraising: A Havana solidarity drive raised over 305,000 pesos in 36 hours for a mother caring for a teen with cerebral palsy, highlighting gaps in support.

U.S. Sanctions on Cuba’s Health Exports: The State Department announced new sanctions on nine entities and two officials tied to Cuba, explicitly targeting the energy sector and the overseas medical mission program—aimed at cutting off revenue that supports Cuba’s public healthcare. Blockade Impact on Care: Cuba also denounced the blockade’s human cost to its health sector ahead of BRICS health talks, warning that energy restrictions and financial pressure are undermining universal access. Humanitarian Aid Flight Reaches Cuba: Catholic Relief Services received $60 million from the U.S. to expand emergency food and hygiene support for more than half a million people, with the first relief flight sent from Miami. On-the-Ground Medical Shortages: A Cuban activist in exile urgently appealed for basic supplies at Celia Sánchez Manduley Hospital in Manzanillo, saying there was no water and no essential materials for an emergency case. Public Health Watch: Oropouche virus is drawing fresh global attention after research suggests its burden in Latin America and the Caribbean has been underestimated, with no specific antiviral treatment and prevention focused on avoiding insect bites.

Human Rights Diplomacy: President Díaz-Canel met UN Human Rights Council expert George Katrougalos, reaffirming Cuba’s commitment to human rights while blaming the US “blockade” for worsening conditions and rejecting Rubio’s latest claims as “neo-McCarthyism.” EU Humanitarian Health Push: The European Commission approved another €10 million for Cuba’s energy-crisis fallout, prioritizing medicines and primary/maternal care, plus water repairs and nutrition support for vulnerable groups. Public Health Prevention: WHO-backed efforts in Holguín are targeting syphilis prevention through education and community actions, aiming to reduce complications and strengthen STI-HIV/AIDS and hepatitis prevention. Healthcare Under Strain: Reports highlight how Cuba’s healthcare workers deployed across Latin America are feeling the strain amid shortages and difficult conditions. Mosquito-Borne Disease Response: A community initiative is sending mosquito nets to Pepito Tey in Cienfuegos to help protect residents from Aedes aegypti–linked viral illnesses like dengue and chikungunya. US-Cuba Tensions: Cuba dismissed a US State Department report alleging Cuban subversion, while US officials continue to float tougher postures toward the island.