Cuban journalist José Luis Tan Estrada recently highlighted a distressing situation on social media, revealing that three-month-old twins were left behind at the Pediatric Hospital in Camagüey. This revelation has drawn significant public attention and concern.
The reporter noted that the infants remain in the hospital without any family presence, being looked after by the nursing staff. According to his report, the twins are currently in the Gastroenterology ward due to health issues that arose after their older sister fed them a local dish called "caldosa."
Tan Estrada traced the case back to the municipality of Esmeralda, stating that the mother is incarcerated. Meanwhile, their six-year-old sister has been placed in a home for children without family support. The situation is reportedly "under investigation," as per his statement.
The journalist's post has sparked a wave of reactions online. Some users expressed outrage over the abandonment, while others called for a deeper understanding of the family circumstances. There are concerns regarding the shortage of milk and proper nutrition for the babies, alongside questions about the mother's imprisonment and possible legal recourses available in such situations.
Many people pointed out that this incident is not isolated, recalling similar instances from the past. One commenter reflected on a similar case from the 1990s, noting, "This is not new; when I was studying in the 90s, there were twins and a beautiful blonde girl in the same ward. I think this has always been the case."
As of now, there has been no official statement from the authorities or the hospital regarding the incident.
In recent years, Cuba has seen a rise in cases of child abandonment, indicative of the country's worsening social and economic conditions. In March 2023, six children aged between two and twelve were left alone for over 33 hours in Santa Clara before authorities intervened, highlighting institutional inaction and the lack of protection for vulnerable children.
Just months later, in October, another disturbing event in the same city saw a mother entrust her one-year-old son to an elderly man with dementia while she attempted to migrate to the United States. The government stepped in to care for the child, amid a backdrop of mass exodus and abandonment as families flee the national crisis.
In November 2023, a tragic discovery in Havana shocked the nation: a newborn was found deceased in a trash container in San Isidro, a neighborhood in Old Havana. This case, brought to light by activists and locals, added to a series of similar incidents across various provinces, linked to unwanted pregnancies and the lack of access to contraception and maternal care resources.
The incident has reignited discussions about child abandonment and the structural deficiencies facing Cuban families. Poverty, lack of social support, and pervasive hopelessness have led to a rise in extreme cases of child neglect.
Addressing Child Abandonment in Cuba
What actions are being taken regarding the abandoned twins in Camagüey?
The case is currently under investigation, and details are limited. There has been no official statement from local authorities or the hospital as of yet.
How common is child abandonment in Cuba?
Child abandonment has become more frequent in Cuba, reflecting the nation's deteriorating socio-economic situation. Various reports in recent years have highlighted cases across the island.
What are the primary causes of child abandonment in Cuba?
The main factors include poverty, lack of social support, and the broader economic and social crisis that has led to desperation and hopelessness among families.