A 44-year-old Cuban woman who had been missing for 12 days from her home in Havana has been found alive and is now reunited with her family. The independent feminist platform YoSíTeCreo in Cuba shared the good news on their Facebook profile.
"We are closing the alert for Bárbara Lozano Pendones (Baby), 44 years old, who is now at home and has been seen by neighbors at her residence," the group announced.
"We appreciate the support from everyone in this case of high vulnerability and very limited support networks," they noted.
Bárbara, mother of a nine-year-old girl, suffers from paranoid schizophrenia at a psychotic level and has been without medication for months due to the lack of Fluphenazine Decanoate in pharmacies, which she needs to take once a month. She also suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
Her family describes her as a wonderful person who loves her young daughter dearly but has become destabilized due to the lack of treatment. She had never left her home before, located in the Martín Pérez neighborhood, San Miguel del Padrón municipality.
In recent times, the number of disappearances of people with mental or chronic illnesses in Cuba has increased, as the shortage of medications destabilizes these patients and affects their normal behavior.
This week, a 61-year-old elderly man who had been missing for four days was found safe, though slightly disoriented. His son, who had raised the alert for his father, confirmed that he was in good health. "He was found attempting to enter his workplace," explained Pedro Luis Echevarría Torres, who thanked everyone who helped in the search.
The young man detailed that his father suffers from diabetes and hypertension and expressed his concern "as an insulin-dependent patient who was not medicating."
Frequently Asked Questions about Missing Persons in Cuba
Given the recent increase in disappearances of individuals with mental or chronic illnesses in Cuba, many have questions about the circumstances and the support available. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers on the topic.
Why are there more disappearances of people with mental or chronic illnesses in Cuba?
The increase in disappearances is primarily due to the lack of essential medications, which destabilizes patients and affects their normal behavior.
What support is available for families of missing persons in Cuba?
Support is often limited, but independent organizations like YoSíTeCreo in Cuba provide some assistance. Families also rely on community networks and social media to raise alerts and find missing loved ones.
How can the shortage of medications affect patients in Cuba?
The shortage can lead to severe destabilization in patients, particularly those with conditions like schizophrenia, diabetes, or hypertension, making them more vulnerable to wandering off or becoming disoriented.