Urgent Plea for Aid: Cuban Activist Highlights Severe Malnutrition in Sancti Spíritus Child

In a heart-wrenching plea, Cuban activist Yunior Tamayo Barrios has taken to social media to seek urgent assistance for a mother in Sancti Spíritus whose child is suffering from severe malnutrition. A video released by Tamayo Barrios reveals the dire living conditions of the family, who reside in a modest wooden house with a zinc roof. However, the most distressing aspect of the video is the condition of the child, who appears alarmingly emaciated, reduced to mere skin and bones.

The shocking visual of the emaciated child, reminiscent of images from concentration camps, has spurred immediate reaction. Generous individuals have already donated substantial sums to aid this vulnerable family. As of this report, details about the child's age and the underlying causes of his severe weight loss remain unknown. Tamayo Barrios's report did not shed light on any medical assessments or the extent of government awareness regarding the case.

While the child's malnutrition might stem from a significant lack of nutrition, it could also be attributed to medical conditions that warrant investigation and treatment. Addressing the issue effectively requires not just financial aid or food supplies, but also essential medications. The child's bedridden state has led to the development of bedsores, prompting Tamayo Barrios to appeal for medical creams to treat these wounds. "Right now, we need ointments or something to help with the sores," he implored via social media.

Following the video's release, compassionate donors have contributed over 580,000 pesos to support this tragic case of child malnutrition. For those looking to assist further, Tamayo Barrios has shared account numbers for donations in Cuban pesos (CUP): 9238129977993056, and in Freely Convertible Currency (MLC): 9235129974651312. Additionally, a phone number for confirming donation details via WhatsApp (56919202) or for making contributions through Zelle has been made available.

A Growing Crisis of Child Malnutrition in Cuba

The situation of the malnourished child in Sancti Spíritus is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of a larger food crisis impacting many children across Cuba. In April 2024, another Cuban mother desperately sought help for her severely malnourished child amid worsening food and medicine shortages that exacerbate the plight of the most vulnerable.

A June 2024 UNICEF report highlighted that 9% of Cuban children live in extreme poverty, suffering from severe nutritional deficiencies and limited access to basic services. The organization warned that the economic crisis is taking a heavy toll on Cuban children, with a lack of state resources and ineffective social assistance policies worsening the scenario.

The malnutrition crisis in Cuba has reached critical levels. Reports in December 2024 indicated a sharp increase in hunger-related deaths, with a widespread decline in the population's nutritional intake. The scarcity of proteins and essential foods has severely affected children and the elderly, increasing the prevalence of malnutrition-related diseases.

The outpouring of aid for the child in Sancti Spíritus underscores the Cuban society's solidarity in the face of a deepening humanitarian crisis. Nonetheless, experts emphasize the urgent need for structural solutions to ensure children on the island have access to adequate nutrition and healthcare.