The Spanish NGO Open Arms has announced its plans to send more than six tons of humanitarian aid aboard the sailing vessel Astral, heading towards Havana. This marks their second shipment to the island in a matter of months.
Open Arms' founder, Óscar Camps, shared the announcement on the organization's Instagram account, detailing the motivations behind this new mission.
"Once you've witnessed the need and know you can make a difference, you can't claim ignorance. That's why we're returning," Camps stated in a video posted on social media.
The latest shipment is packed with medical supplies, medications, dialysis equipment, powdered milk, food items, diapers, and educational materials. Everything is already loaded on the Astral.
Camps acknowledged the mission's limitations but emphasized its importance: "I'm aware we won't solve Cuba's problems, but we can address some needs for a few individuals."
He encapsulated the initiative's guiding philosophy with a poignant question: "What can you change today with what you have? We have a boat, and there are people on the other side who need what we can bring."
The Astral's Previous Journey to Cuba
The Astral's first journey, part of the "Rumbo a Cuba" campaign, departed from Barcelona on May 10, 2026, with stops in Valencia, Málaga, Cádiz, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The ship arrived in Havana on July 19, carrying over seven tons of aid.
This initial delivery was primarily directed to the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital and included 22 photovoltaic solar panels and batteries to provide energy independence for the pediatric ICU. This mission received support from more than 150 organizations and was funded by over 160,000 euros contributed by more than 4,000 donors.
During that first voyage, Camps harshly criticized the conditions in Cuban hospitals: "What is happening in Cuba resembles a medieval siege," he remarked, pointing out that extended power outages disable incubators, ventilators, and dialysis machines, with direct impacts on patients' lives.
In his announcement of the new shipment, Camps highlighted that the solar panels delivered during the first trip are already being installed to activate the hospital's pediatric ICU.
"We're returning because if we can make even a slight difference, we must try," Camps concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions about Open Arms’ Humanitarian Efforts in Cuba
What is the purpose of Open Arms' mission to Cuba?
Open Arms aims to deliver over six tons of humanitarian aid to address specific needs in Cuba, including medical and educational supplies.
What does the humanitarian aid shipment include?
The shipment comprises medical supplies, medications, dialysis equipment, powdered milk, food, diapers, and educational materials.
How was Open Arms' previous mission to Cuba supported?
The previous mission was backed by over 150 organizations and funded by more than 160,000 euros from over 4,000 donors.