Nairobis Sánchez, a well-known activist in Santiago de Cuba for his social media-driven aid initiatives for vulnerable individuals, has released a video on Facebook seeking community assistance for a seven-month-old baby. The infant's mother passed away, leaving the baby in the care of his sister.
"The sister, who is now the caregiver, asked me to make a post requesting help. It's challenging, a baby without his mother. Despite lacking experience, the sister is doing her utmost to care for him. This is a seven-month-old baby from Santiago de Cuba," Nairobis shared on Facebook.
Nairobis explained that the baby's mother died three months ago, and since that tragic event, the child has been under the sister's care. The family faces severe hardships and urgently requires support from those able to assist.
Recently, the infant was admitted to intensive care at the ONDI, the colloquial name for the Dr. Juan de la Cruz Martínez Maceira North Children's Hospital in Santiago de Cuba. "He is currently in Hall H, third floor, bed 4," the activist detailed.
To adequately care for the child, they primarily need "diapers, milk, and age-appropriate food, in addition to clothing and other necessities." There is also a fundraising effort to purchase a rechargeable fan for his use.
"Together, we can gather resources to also help the sister with some food, as she is handling things alone. Not everyone has the same means. A friend has already donated some clothing, which I plan to collect and deliver to her," Nairobis added.
In addition to his message, the Cuban activist shared a short video showing the baby sleeping in a hospital crib.
Nairobis is recognized in Santiago de Cuba for highlighting severe vulnerability cases—elderly, children, individuals with disabilities—and for orchestrating donations from both the local community and Cubans abroad.
This kind of informal grassroots activism has become a common response to the inadequate support from Cuban state institutions, which fail to meet the fundamental needs of the most vulnerable families amid the island's severe economic crisis.
Santiago de Cuba, the country's second-largest city, frequently witnesses these social media appeals, exacerbated by prolonged power outages, food and medicine shortages, and the overall decline of social services.
It's not the first instance of Santiago residents turning to Facebook to spotlight dire situations. In November 2024, locals sought help for homeless individuals in the same city.
Community Support for Vulnerable in Santiago de Cuba
What is the current situation of the baby mentioned in the article?
The baby, now cared for by his sister after their mother's passing, is in need of community support for essentials like diapers and food. He is currently hospitalized in Santiago de Cuba.
How can people assist the family in need?
People can help by donating necessary items such as diapers, milk, clothing, and food, or by contributing financially to purchase a rechargeable fan for the baby.