Adriana, a 10-year-old girl residing in the Acueducto community of San Antonio del Sur, Guantánamo, is grappling with severe cerebral palsy and chronic malnutrition. Her plight has stirred considerable attention on social media due to the dire circumstances she endures, lacking proper nutrition, specialized medical care, and government aid.
The issue was brought to light by activist Ernesto Pérez Rodríguez via his Facebook profile. He revealed that Adriana is in a semi-vegetative state due to her medical condition and relies solely on her mother's care. Despite this, the mother receives no state assistance, not even a basic pension, to help meet her daughter's essential needs.
Living Conditions and Struggles
Adriana's diet does not meet the requirements of her diagnosis, and her family faces extreme poverty. Their home lacks basic living conditions, and they don't even have a telephone to call for urgent help in case of seizures or other emergencies. Furthermore, the mother is forced to travel several miles to reach the nearest hospitals, posing significant risks to her daughter's health.
Community Support Efforts
Faced with institutional neglect, Pérez Rodríguez initiated a solidarity campaign on social media, urging for financial and material support for the family. He shared contact details, bank information, and the exact address of the family's residence: Máximo Gómez between 13 and 14 South #1860, Altos, in San Antonio del Sur. He encouraged both local and international contributions, whether in cash (CUP or MLC), food, medicines, or appliances.
“I will post a video on my Facebook story and make a significant plea. Even though we are only 13,000 followers, together we can make a difference,” Pérez wrote. “If any small business wants to donate food or an appliance, I will personally visit to collect it.” His post included images of Adriana's poor health condition and a photo of her mother with the activist.
A Broader Issue of Social Assistance in Cuba
Ernesto Pérez was previously noted for his efforts in April this year, aiding a child with Down syndrome living under similar circumstances in eastern Cuba. His call for help then succeeded in rallying numerous Cubans both on and off the island to improve the living conditions for the child and his family. This new case once again highlights the shortcomings in Cuba’s social assistance system, particularly for families with disabled members.
Challenges of the Social Assistance System in Cuba
What are the main issues faced by Adriana's family?
Adriana's family struggles with extreme poverty, lack of government support, inadequate nutrition for Adriana's condition, and the absence of basic living amenities, such as a telephone for emergencies.
How is Ernesto Pérez Rodríguez supporting Adriana’s case?
Ernesto Pérez Rodríguez has launched a campaign on social media to gather financial and material support for Adriana's family, sharing essential contact and donation information to encourage contributions from both local and international supporters.
What broader issue does Adriana's situation highlight?
Adriana's plight underscores significant gaps in Cuba’s social assistance system, especially regarding support for families with disabled members, revealing a critical need for reform and increased governmental aid.