In recent statements, Dr. Francisco Durán García claimed there have been "no reported deaths" due to arbovirus in Matanzas and insisted that "health services are not overwhelmed" in Cuba. These assertions have been met with skepticism by many Cubans, who have taken to social media to express their doubts. On platforms like CiberCuba, the article featuring the National Director of Epidemiology's comments has sparked significant backlash, with numerous reactions challenging the renowned doctor's narrative.
"Dr. Durán, with all due respect... you can't hide the truth. People are dying, including children and the elderly. The hospitals are in terrible condition, lacking even basic diagnostic tools. God help us," one user commented.
Growing Discontent Among Cuban Citizens
Many commenters believe that the official report from MINSAP downplays the severity of the situation in Matanzas. Despite multiple accounts of severe fever cases, medicine shortages, rising infections, and a healthcare crisis exacerbated by inadequate fumigation and poor hospital conditions, the authorities appear to minimize the issue.
Another reader voiced concerns, stating, "That man stands before the people to manipulate statistics. His job should be to demand action from the Government and the Ministry of Public Health to address this crisis," pointing out the collapse of the provincial pediatric hospital in Matanzas.
Neglect in Matanzas Communities
Reports have highlighted the neglect of entire communities in Matanzas, such as the Versalles neighborhood and the town of Pedroso, where "people are falling one after another with the virus" and "not a single fumigation effort has been seen."
Structural issues like food shortages, lack of medicine, nighttime power outages worsening mosquito infestations, and insufficient medical staff and resources to meet increasing hospital demands were also emphasized. "They've forgotten the people. There's no food, no medicine, no fumigation. Everything is wrong, and diseases are spreading," one user lamented, calling for urgent state intervention.
Official Statements vs. Citizen Experiences
The MINSAP has confirmed the circulation of three viruses in the country: dengue, chikungunya, and oropouche, with Matanzas being severely impacted. However, authorities maintain that the number of severe cases is low and that epidemiological control measures are functioning properly.
These official figures starkly contrast with citizen testimonies, which report multiple unrecorded deaths, sick children lacking proper medical care, and a crumbling healthcare infrastructure. "With respect, Dr. Durán, what you're saying is false. This is out of control," another Cuban stated, also questioning the claims of fumigation in affected areas.
Calls for Change and Reality on the Ground
Many users have called for Dr. Durán to retire or stop reiterating "the same empty rhetoric," arguing that his current role "no longer inspires trust" and "does not represent the real suffering of the Cuban people."
Meanwhile, the healthcare crisis continues to worsen in several municipalities, with residents reporting overwhelmed hospitals, uncollected garbage, lack of transportation for the sick, and a shortage of reagents for accurate diagnoses. "There's not even paracetamol to reduce fever. Doctors send you home with instructions to drink water and rest. What kind of control are they talking about?" a Cuban mother from Matanzas protested.
In his appearance on National Television, Dr. Durán reiterated that there is no specific treatment for these diseases but stressed the importance of seeking medical attention if alarm symptoms appear. He advised maintaining proper hydration and taking analgesics, a recommendation many Cubans find difficult to follow due to the scarcity of drugs or their high cost on the informal market.
Dengue transmission persists in 12 provinces and 36 municipalities, with three patients in serious condition and one in critical condition hospitalized. The Oropouche virus is present in 12 provinces and 26 municipalities, showing a declining trend in cases. Lastly, chikungunya has continued to spread, particularly in Matanzas municipalities.
Understanding the Health Crisis in Cuba
What are the main health issues currently affecting Matanzas?
Matanzas is facing an increase in arbovirus infections, with dengue, chikungunya, and oropouche being the primary concerns. The situation is exacerbated by medicine shortages, inadequate hospital conditions, and lack of fumigation efforts.
How are citizens responding to the MINSAP's official reports?
Many citizens have taken to social media to express their disbelief and frustration, arguing that official reports downplay the severity of the health crisis. They are calling for more transparency and action from the authorities.
What structural problems are contributing to the health crisis in Cuba?
Cuba's health crisis is compounded by structural issues such as food shortages, inadequate medical supplies, frequent power outages, and a lack of healthcare personnel and resources to adequately address the needs of the population.