The Cuban government has publicly acknowledged its inability to conduct widespread fumigation campaigns across the nation, a practice that was common in previous years. This admission is due to a shortage of fuel, insecticides, and the outdated condition of equipment used in vector control efforts.
This revelation came during a state television broadcast amidst a chikungunya outbreak that is affecting a significant portion of the country.
Dr. Carilda Peña García, the Deputy Minister of Public Health, admitted on the "Buenos Días" program that the government lacks the capacity to reach the entire country with fumigation efforts, as it did during the 2017 and 2018 zika outbreaks.
She explained that the current limitations in material and energy resources prevent large-scale actions against mosquitoes responsible for spreading dengue, zika, and chikungunya.
"We won't be able to cover the entire population like we have in past opportunities (...). This is related to the current situation of fuel and insecticides in the country," stated the deputy minister on television.
Peña also acknowledged that the fumigation machines are old and less productive, hindering the effectiveness of vector control campaigns.
"The operator cannot cover as much ground as a machine should," justified the official.
During her appearance, Peña reported that chikungunya and dengue transmission remains active in nearly all provinces, except for Isla de la Juventud and Mayabeque, although cases have been detected there as well.
According to official data, over 39,000 unspecified fever syndromes were recorded in the last week, with 7,700 new suspected cases of chikungunya, "4,449 more than the previous week," confirming the spread of the disease.
"And 137 individuals confirmed by PCR testing also show an increase compared to the previous week," she added.
In this context, she acknowledged that current fumigations are limited, focusing on "strata" or blocks with active transmission, due to the inability to cover entire urban areas like in past campaigns.
The deputy minister assured that provinces such as Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Granma came closest to meeting fumigation targets, surpassing 90% of the weekly plan.
However, even in these areas, the full 100% of the planned coverage was not achieved. She did not provide specific figures for the rest of the country, suggesting the situation is even more critical in other provinces.
Despite the evident deterioration of the public health system and lack of basic resources, the government continues to place the responsibility on the population for the proliferation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
"We call on citizens to eliminate water deposits in their homes," insisted the deputy minister, without offering a structural solution to the health crisis.
This public admission of Cuba's shortages in fuel, insecticides, and equipment to combat vectors comes at the most critical time of the year, as dengue and chikungunya cases surge, and hospitals report over a hundred serious and critical patients, most of whom are children.
The country, engulfed in an epidemiological and material crisis, faces a situation where mosquitoes are advancing, and the state lacks the means to stop them.
Understanding Cuba's Health Challenges
What are the primary reasons for the lack of fumigation in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing shortages of fuel, insecticides, and outdated fumigation equipment, which severely limit its ability to conduct widespread vector control campaigns.
How has the Cuban government responded to the chikungunya outbreak?
The government has acknowledged the outbreak and is attempting limited fumigation strategies focused on areas with active transmission, though they lack the resources for more comprehensive efforts.
Which provinces in Cuba are most affected by the chikungunya and dengue outbreaks?
Almost all provinces are affected, with active transmission observed, except in Isla de la Juventud and Mayabeque, though these areas have reported cases as well.