The survival rate for Cuban children battling leukemia may have plummeted from historically high levels near 90% to below 50%. This alarming situation has been highlighted by the president of the Cuban Society of Hematology amid a severe shortage of essential medicines and supplies that is critically impacting cancer care on the island.
Dr. Olga Margarita Agramonte Llanes shared these concerning statistics in an interview published on Monday by the state-run agency Prensa Latina, attributing the decline in treatment effectiveness to the U.S. embargo.
"During the years of intensified blockade, we have seen a significant reduction in survival rates, quality of life, recovery, and transplant success solely due to this suffocating policy," she stated.
However, the publication did not specify the time frame for these percentages, the types of leukemia assessed, or the methodology used to calculate survival rates. Independent verification of these figures is not possible as they were not supported by clinical data or studies to substantiate the extent of the decline.
A report from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) released in January 2026 previously indicated that child survival rates for oncohematological cancers decreased from 75% to 60% due to medication shortages. Although this confirms a decline in care, it is not directly comparable to the percentages mentioned by Agramonte, as the methodology was not detailed.
Patients Unable to Wait for Treatment
The specialist described the challenges faced by Cuban hospitals in acquiring medications, conducting timely diagnoses, and ensuring necessary treatments.
She explained that financial constraints and difficulties in obtaining supplies directly impact the care of patients with hematological conditions, particularly malignant ones.
"It is futile for the medication to arrive when the patient is no longer alive or when their clinical condition has deteriorated to the point where recovery is impossible," she cautioned.
Agramonte also raised concerns about the challenges in treating hematological disorders associated with pregnancy and noted a decrease in blood donations, which she linked to poor nutrition, exhaustion, and prolonged power outages.
Official figures show a drop in voluntary blood donations from 357,665 in 2020 to 254,845 in 2023, nearly a 29% reduction.
A Crisis Impacting Thousands of Patients
Recently, the government acknowledged that more than 70 people die from cancer daily in Cuba, and 300 of the 395 nationally produced medications included in the essential list are unavailable.
In May, over 3,000 patients were waiting for chemotherapy due to a shortage of cytostatics, while the bone marrow transplant program remained halted.
These challenges are compounded by the risks posed by infectious diseases. Another specialist from the Institute of Hematology and Immunology warned about the danger of arboviral diseases for patients with hematological and immunological disorders.
Agramonte recognized the efforts of healthcare professionals to maintain patient care despite these shortages, but she emphasized that "diseases do not adapt to realities but adhere to specific therapeutic protocols and timelines."
Understanding the Impact of Healthcare Shortages in Cuba
What factors are contributing to the decline in leukemia survival rates for Cuban children?
The decline is attributed to severe shortages of medications and supplies needed for cancer treatment, exacerbated by the U.S. embargo that limits access to essential resources.
How has the U.S. embargo affected healthcare in Cuba?
The embargo has restricted Cuba's ability to acquire necessary medical supplies and medications, leading to significant challenges in treating diseases and managing patient care effectively.
What is the current situation regarding blood donations in Cuba?
There has been a significant decrease in voluntary blood donations, with numbers dropping by nearly 29% between 2020 and 2023, affecting the availability of blood for patients in need.