In the Basque town of Legazpi, a humanitarian campaign successfully raised €12,332 to help supply electricity to the William Soler Pediatric University Hospital in Havana. This hospital, a crucial center for child healthcare in Cuba, has been severely impacted by the island's ongoing energy crisis.
The campaign, titled "Legazpitik argia Kubara" or "From Legazpi, Light for Cuba" in Basque, involved a collective effort from local merchants, hospitality workers, sports clubs, the Hotz Legazpi association, and members of the Cuban community residing in Guipúzcoa. The organizing group shared their achievements through El Diario Vasco.
The collected funds have already been transferred to Euskadi-Cuba, the organization responsible for implementing the electrification work at William Soler and other hospitals benefiting from the project.
Community Efforts and Oversight
The organizers expressed deep gratitude towards Legazpi's residents for their solidarity. "Those who empathize with others' suffering set a genuine example of compassion," stated the group upon announcing the successful fundraising.
They also promised to oversee the allocation of the aid. "In the coming months, we will closely monitor the progress of the electrification efforts at the William Soler Pediatric University Hospital and other facilities in Cuba," they confirmed.
Wider Solidarity Initiatives
This initiative is part of a broader solidarity effort from the Basque Country aimed at alleviating the severe effects of prolonged power outages on Cuban healthcare centers.
Previously, in April 2026, Euskal Herria-Kuba Ekimena and Euskadi-Cuba launched another campaign to install a solar photovoltaic system at the William Soler hospital's polyclinic. Initially, they raised €180,000 within a month, eventually reaching €244,000 through 1,255 contributions.
The hospital in Havana has become a focal point for these projects due to the profound challenges posed by the electrical crisis. In October 2025, patient families reported the facility was "completely overwhelmed," with emergency services overcrowded, staff shortages, and lack of supplies.
By March 2026, The New York Times detailed the impact of the blackouts on the hospital, illustrating silent wards during power cuts. The situation persisted into July, with significant parts of Havana enduring extended power interruptions.
Expanding Support from Spain
Legazpi's efforts are not isolated; other Spanish municipalities have taken similar initiatives. In April 2026, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) completed the delivery of 18 photovoltaic systems to Cuban healthcare centers. Two months later, various Catalan municipalities jointly donated €20,000 for solar panel installations in Santiago de Cuba's hospitals.
These campaigns aim to bolster the operation of healthcare facilities particularly vulnerable to blackouts, ensuring the continuity of critical services for thousands of patients, including children receiving specialized medical care.
Key Aspects of Cuban Healthcare Support
What is the purpose of the funds raised in Legazpi?
The funds raised in Legazpi are intended to support the electrification of the William Soler Pediatric University Hospital in Havana, helping it cope with the energy crisis affecting Cuba.
How will the funds be used?
The funds will be used by the Euskadi-Cuba association to carry out electrification projects at the William Soler hospital and other healthcare facilities in Cuba.
What other initiatives have been taken to support Cuban healthcare?
Other initiatives include a campaign to install a solar photovoltaic system at the William Soler hospital and the delivery of photovoltaic systems to various Cuban healthcare centers by Spanish organizations.