The actress and broadcaster Laritza Camacho recently brought attention to an alarming situation in a Havana park where hundreds of syringes were irresponsibly discarded. "Just when we thought chikungunya was the craziest thing... this out-of-control scene appears at the Normal park. Is this some kind of anti-tetanus campaign?" Camacho remarked with irony in a post shared on Saturday, highlighting the evident danger.
The reality is that these needles are accessible to anyone, particularly children playing in the area. "It's mind-blowing. Who's going to tackle this issue?" she added, stressing the need for immediate action. Camacho warned that the syringes should be collected by trained personnel equipped with proper protection.
"Besides being challenging due to the grass, collecting these materials requires protection, even if it's done by community workers. There's a protocol to follow, a specific way to wrap them, and a designated area for disposing of the waste," Camacho explained. She later followed up on the situation, reporting on Sunday that "the area had been cleaned. No longer a threat."
Health System in Crisis
This incident occurs amidst a broader collapse of the Cuban healthcare system, as hospitals grapple with a surge in dengue and other diseases. The shortage of medications and overworked medical staff exacerbate the health crisis.
A Cuban mother recently reported the lengthy lines at "Juan Manuel Márquez" Pediatric Hospital in Havana, where numerous children must be added to makeshift lists to receive emergency care. The breakdown of pediatric medical services coincides with a rising tide of febrile and gastrointestinal illnesses sweeping across the nation.
"It's disgusting and heartbreaking just to step inside. The children's relatives are lying on the floor, garbage piled up, and a terrible stench in the bathrooms," wrote Facebook user Antonio Fernández after sharing a video by Cuban citizen Glenda Rancaño.
Activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia posted a photograph on social media showing a medical document given to parents of children diagnosed with emetic syndrome at another Cuban hospital. The recommendation is home rest and oral rehydration, with no additional medication or treatment offered.
FAQs About Health and Safety in Havana Parks
What measures should be taken to safely dispose of syringes in public areas?
Syringes should be collected by trained personnel using protective gear, following a strict protocol. They must be securely wrapped and disposed of in designated areas to ensure public safety.
How is the current healthcare crisis affecting Cuban hospitals?
Cuban hospitals are overwhelmed by a rise in diseases such as dengue, compounded by a lack of medications and overburdened medical staff, leading to deteriorating conditions and inadequate patient care.
What are the recommended treatments for children with emetic syndrome in Cuba?
Children diagnosed with emetic syndrome are advised to rest at home and undergo oral rehydration. No additional medications or treatments are currently provided, reflecting the strain on the healthcare system.