Cuba is facing a multi-faceted crisis that not only has economic and political consequences but, above all, is severely affecting the local population. Yet this situation is not new, and its causes are complex.
A multi-crisis: the economy, social services, and infrastructure are collapsing
In addition to internal structural challenges like low productivity, dependence on imports, and a lack of reforms, the U.S. embargoes, which have been in place for over 60 years, play a central role. At the beginning of this year, energy sanctions under the Trump administration were further tightened. This is making fuel imports, credits, international transactions, and the delivery of goods increasingly difficult. And it primarily affects the civilian population, which suffers from the consequences of the geopolitical blockade. Many experts speak of a multifaceted, systemic crisis that is simultaneously affecting all areas of the population’s lives.
Poverty and hunger weigh heavily on the population
Recent studies show that around 89% of Cubans live in extreme poverty. That amounts to over 9 million people. The average income of Cubans is often not even enough to cover basic necessities: food, medicine, transportation, or stable housing. As early as 2022, over 1,000 communities and around 20,000 families were considered highly at risk, and the situation has continued to deteriorate since then. Many people are struggling to survive from day to day. Families are forced to cut back on meals and rely on remittances from abroad or the informal economy. Daily life is marked by shortages: sometimes there is only a few hours of electricity per day. Fuel shortages lead to regular disruptions in public transportation. Only 30% of essential medications are still available. Over 70% of people lack reliable access to clean water, and an increasing number of skilled workers, particularly doctors, are leaving the country. Waste management has also collapsed in many places, with consequences for hygiene, the environment, and public health.
The elderly, families, and people with disabilities are particularly affected
More than a quarter of the Cuban population is over 60 years old. Many older people live alone or are forced to continue working despite their age because their pensions are barely enough to survive on. At the same time, there is a shortage of medicines, care services, and stable social networks as a consequence of migration, poverty, and the reduction of state support. The burden on families, especially on women, is increasing significantly. Many can only eat one meal a day, and a large number of children suffer serverely from food shortages. Fruits, vegetables, and protein are barely accessible to many. Schools, which once served as social safe spaces, are now dilapidated and lack teachers. All-day care facilities, often for particularly disadvantaged children, are trying to ensure a minimum level of care under extreme conditions. Accessible transportation, assistive devices such as wheelchairs or hearing aids, and social support for people with disabilities and their families are barely accessible anymore
AWO International Takes Action
AWO International is working in partnership with the local organization Centro Cristiano de Reflexión y Diálogo (CCRD-Cuba) to provide rapid and direct emergency aid: We are distributing food packages containing rice, beans, and oil, as well as hygiene kits with soap and detergent, to particularly impacted groups. To do this, we are collaborating with schools, centers for people with disabilities, and a retirement home. Supporting these facilities helps relieve the social infrastructure of the communities and maintain the function of safe spaces for particularly vulnerable groups. Additionally, we provide direct support to 15 families headed by single mothers. Food packages provide relief for the families and help combat malnutrition in children. The installation of solar panels also ensures the power supply for a retirement home, enabling water purification and meals to be provided. Through our work, we reach 300 people in the communities of Colón and Cárdenas.
To implement these humanitarian measures, we rely on your support. Every donation helps to reduce hunger and poverty and give people hope.
AWO International
IBAN: DE87 3702 0500 0003 2211 00
Stichwort: Nothilfe Kuba