Among the supplies and medications that Cuba requested from Mexico as part of an aid collection is 50 mg sildenafil, a medication commonly known as Viagra, which is typically used to treat erectile dysfunction.
This particular request sparked reactions and criticism across social media platforms. The item is part of the “Solidarity with Cuba Collection” spearheaded by Morena, following an announcement by President Claudia Sheinbaum regarding a second shipment of humanitarian aid to the island.
Morena’s initiative called for donations to be sent to Cuba, including food, supplies, medicines, hygiene products, lighting resources, and basic tools. Collection centers have been set up in 30 locations to gather contributions.
According to available documentation, the backdrop for this initiative is Cuba's ongoing energy and economic crisis, which the text attributes to the U.S. embargo.
The Controversial Inclusion: Sildenafil on the List
The inclusion of sildenafil in the donation list drew significant attention, particularly because it is popularly associated with treating erectile dysfunction. The document specifically lists the drug under the “Humanitarian Supplies List” as Sildenafil 50 mg coated tablets.
The list, reportedly sent by the Cuban Embassy, includes this medication along with numerous other drugs for cardiovascular use, antibiotics, pain relievers, steroids, antivirals, and antithrombotics.
While commonly used for erectile dysfunction, sildenafil is classified as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor and works by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow in specific areas of the body.
Beyond its role in sexual health, sildenafil is also prescribed for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), helping to relax blood vessels in the lungs and improve patients' functional capacity.
Beyond Medicines: The Extensive Request
The list for the collection extends beyond medications, encompassing:
- Expensive medical equipment (such as ultrasounds, analyzers, autoclaves, neonatal ventilators, and monitors).
- Other medical supplies (including trocars, catheters, and various clinical materials).
- Food items (grains, canned goods, long-lasting products, and baby food).
- Personal hygiene products (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sanitary towels, and baby items).
- Lighting resources (flashlights, solar lamps, candles, batteries, and radios).
- Tools for basic home repairs (hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, etc.).
General recommendations for the donations include ensuring they are new, sealed/packaged, free of glass containers, and easy to transport.
Criticism was swift. On X, Morena's account faced backlash from Mexicans pointing out the lack of medicines and supplies in their own hospitals, questioning the logic of sending aid abroad.
"Mexico is a country that always helps, but come on, hospitals here lack medicines; you must bring your own items for surgery. Yesterday, a child was killed while going to buy a bottle for a cat. My sales advisor was kidnapped, and the police refuse to help," lamented one commentator.
Others noted that Morena's aid appears "selective."
"Cuba gets speeches, support, and applause. Meanwhile, Culiacán suffers months of violence and silence. It seems international propaganda matters more than Mexican security. They boast about helping abroad while the country burns here. We must not forget who chose to look the other way," another user remarked.
Understanding Cuba's Aid Request from Mexico
Why did Cuba request sildenafil from Mexico?
Cuba included sildenafil in their aid request list as part of a broader need for medical supplies, despite its common association with treating erectile dysfunction.
What other items were included in Cuba's donation list?
The list includes medical equipment, various medications, food, personal hygiene products, lighting resources, and tools for basic home repairs.