The US embargo on Cuba has led to significant humanitarian repercussions, hindering the country’s social progress. A study by the Center for Economic and Policy Research revealed a drastic increase in Cuba’s infant mortality rate from 4 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 9.9 in 2025, marking a 148% surge. This surge is believed to be primarily linked to the heightened US sanctions against Cuba initiated during Donald Trump’s presidency in 2017.
Cuban officials, including Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and Deputy Public Health Minister Carilda Pena, have raised concerns about the adverse effects of the US embargo on Cuba’s healthcare system. The impact of recent executive orders issued in January and May this year has been particularly highlighted. Official data cited by Cubadebate indicates a decline in the survival rate of Cuban children with cancer from 85% to 65% following US restrictions on oil supplies and intensified sanctions.
The embargo’s repercussions have been profound, affecting over 100,000 patients awaiting surgery, including thousands of cancer patients and children. Cuba’s Public Health Ministry reported challenges faced by 2,888 patients undergoing hemodialysis due to constraints in supplies, water, and specialized equipment. The restrictions have impeded Cuba’s access to essential resources required for producing vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic tools for diseases like cancer, exacerbating the healthcare crisis.
The energy crisis in Cuba has worsened due to US oil restrictions, leading to prolonged power outages in Havana and a daily electricity deficit of around 2,000 megawatts. In 2026, Cuba has received only one fuel shipment, causing severe disruptions in various sectors. The fuel shortage has disrupted the distribution of state-subsidized milk to over 100,000 children, while essential goods worth millions of dollars remain undistributed across the country. Humanitarian organizations, such as the United Nations agencies, have faced challenges in delivering food aid due to logistical obstacles.
