Maydaned Acosta, a single mother residing in Guanajay, Artemisa province, has reached out to the Facebook group "Economic Aid Foundation for Cuba" in a heartfelt plea for assistance. Her 12-year-old daughter, who requires a gastrostomy, is unable to eat solid foods and needs urgent nutritional support.
Weighing only 23 kilograms, which is alarmingly below the expected weight for her age, the young girl is in dire need of a surgical procedure that cannot proceed until she gains more weight.
"My daughter is 12 years old, has a gastrostomy, and cannot eat solid foods, only liquids. She is waiting for surgery but needs to gain weight," Maydaned shared in her post.
Approximately a month ago, Maydaned was forced to choose between caring for her sick child and keeping her job, ultimately resulting in her unemployment.
"I'm a single Cuban mother, and about a month ago, I lost my job because my child fell ill. I had to choose between caring for my child and keeping my job," she explained.
With no close family in Guanajay to lend a hand, Maydaned finds herself utterly exhausted and overwhelmed.
The Struggle for Essential Medical Supplies
One of the most pressing issues is the lack of basic medical supplies; enteral feeding syringes and gastric tubes are nearly impossible to obtain in Cuba, and when they are available, they come at exorbitant prices.
"The same tube, which is a nightmare to replace every time it breaks, is sold at high prices," the mother lamented, also highlighting the shortage of wound care materials needed for her daughter.
This is not an isolated incident. The collapse of the Cuban healthcare system has left pediatric hospitals without essential supplies, leading to an increase in cases where sick children receive inadequate care.
Food Insecurity and Community Support
In Guanajay, the situation is worsened by food shortages: rationed bread in Artemisa is distributed only on alternate days due to a lack of flour, and the prices of basic foods far exceed the minimum wage.
Amidst government inaction, social media has become a lifeline, with citizens stepping up to offer support.
Maydaned's post drew numerous offers of help, including financial aid, syringes, and other supplies. A mother from Isla de la Juventud, whose daughter also has a gastrostomy, offered a gastric button: "I have an 18, it's a button, it attaches directly to the stomach and is easier to handle. How can I send it to you?" wrote Yudalmis Bauza.
Maydaned provided her phone number (59306400) and bank card number (9205-1299-7452-2154) for those willing to assist.
"I am a young mother who has always worked hard, unafraid of any job, but today I feel overwhelmed and lack the resources to continue. Everyone who knows me is aware that I've always fought tirelessly, and if I'm putting my children in the spotlight like this, it's because I've hit rock bottom," she concluded.
Understanding the Crisis in Cuban Healthcare and Food Supply
What is a gastrostomy and why is it necessary?
A gastrostomy is a surgical procedure for inserting a feeding tube directly into the stomach. It is necessary for individuals who cannot eat by mouth to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.
How are Cuban citizens coping with medical and food shortages?
Cuban citizens are increasingly relying on social media to seek and offer support, sharing resources and information to help each other survive amidst severe medical and food shortages.
What role does community support play in Cuba's current crisis?
Community support has become crucial in Cuba, as people turn to each other for aid in the absence of adequate government intervention, providing a network of survival for many families.