PAHO Reports Limited Success in Cuban Dengue and Chikungunya Aid

Following a call from DIARIO DE CUBA for a statement regarding dengue and chikungunya epidemics impacting the island, Mario Cruz, PAHO representative in Havana, confirmed that cuba’s request for support hasn’t received a strong response. he stated, “The request for support has been made and the response has not been so effective.”

Cruz told EFE that Cuban authorities provided a “list of needs for supplies and medicines.” PAHO used this list to solicit aid,but only three projects,totaling $950,000,are currently in the negotiation phase.

“The request for support has been made and the response has not been so effective. Irrespective of when it was made, the request was submitted. And we haven’t seen a response. We have offers from some partners, which we hope will materialize soon, but everyone is worried,” Cruz explained. He added that the cuban goverment is open to receiving cooperation.

Cruz attributes the limited aid to a “significant decrease in official progress assistance,” competing global emergencies straining resources, and “important policy changes of actors” traditionally providing official aid.

PAHO doesn’t require a formal emergency declaration from a country to offer support,but Cruz didn’t specify when Havana requested resources or detail the extent of those needs.

Responding to the epidemic is “resource-intensive” and ongoing, posing a “challenge” given Cuba’s “complex economic situation.” Cruz affirmed that “the epidemic is clearly developing.”

he believes Cuba possesses the “scientific,” “technical and human” capabilities to combat the epidemic, but lacks sufficient resources.

“The measures necessary to contain, with the coverage and intensity required in the conditions of availability of resources in Cuba, a