The tragic passing of 26-year-old Aniari Barrientos Vázquez, who died after childbirth in Santiago de Cuba, has left her four children motherless and plunged the family into heartache and dire financial straits.
While the family demands answers regarding the circumstances of her death, her husband is now solely responsible for their children, including a newborn still hospitalized, without sufficient resources to meet even their most basic needs.
An Activist's Call for Support
Nairobis Sánchez, an activist, has taken to Facebook with three posts to shed light on the father's plight and solicit assistance. Besides coping with the loss of his wife after a decade of marriage, he struggles to provide for his children and meet the needs of his hospitalized baby.
Struggling to Make Ends Meet
Left to care for their three older children, aged nine, seven, and five, while the newborn remains in the hospital, the father faces a daunting challenge. The family resides along the road to Punta Gorda, near Altamira in Santiago de Cuba, according to Nairobis' reports.
Though he earns a living by fishing, the father is currently experiencing severe financial difficulties. During a visit, the activist witnessed firsthand the extreme poverty in which the family lives.
"This man is caring for his three children at home while his baby is still hospitalized. He hasn't been able to visit the hospital for four days due to lack of funds, and the loss of his wife has left him in immense pain," Nairobis shared in another post.
"He urgently needs our help: milk for the baby when discharged, food for his children, and a multipurpose pot," he specified.
Ongoing Need for Aid
Despite the solidarity campaign initiated by Nairobis to gather food, support for hospital visits, and other essential resources, the family’s needs are far from met.
While expressing gratitude to those who have already helped, Nairobis stressed that the family still requires assistance.
In his third update, he mentioned securing several pounds of milk, rice, beans, sugar, confections, hygiene products, and 26,000 pesos.
"We still need a multipurpose pot because they live in a building, and cooking with wood creates smoke that bothers neighbors, and a washing machine, even a secondhand one, because he has a lot of laundry to do. We also need clothes for the children and affordable transport to deliver the donations," he emphasized.
Those interested in contributing can contact the number +53 63687051.
"I don't want this family to feel alone. I want their story to reach far and wide, for their children to receive the support they need, and for this father to find the strength to carry on," he reiterated.
A Death Surrounded by Questions
Previous reports by CiberCuba indicate that Aniari was admitted to the Hospital General Clínico Quirúrgico Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso on September 23. Her family recounted that she was moved to a labor induction ward the next day, where she received IV fluids, but her condition soon deteriorated.
The family claims they were given insufficient and conflicting information about her condition and were unable to see her for nearly two days. On the afternoon of September 27, they were informed of her death and received her body.
One of the most shocking aspects of the family's claim is that they allegedly found maggots in her hair upon receiving the body. The hospital's director, Dr. Tamara Hodelín, reportedly labeled the family ungrateful, insisting that efforts were made to save Aniari.
Nairobis Sánchez relayed the husband's account, asserting that his wife did not receive proper medical care and was not given a blood transfusion. He also noted that when he learned of the incident, the body was already in an advanced state of decomposition.
The family seeks to know what treatments Aniari received, the exact circumstances of her death, and why they were not promptly informed of her critical condition.
A National Crisis Exposed
Aniari's case is not just a call for donations. It is a glaring example of the broader crisis affecting Cuba's maternal healthcare system. Official statistics from the Ministry of Public Health reveal a rise in maternal mortality rates from 40.6 per 100,000 live births in 2024 to 44.1 in 2025.
The impoverishment of large segments of the population compounds the vulnerability of families when tragedy strikes. In this instance, the financial constraints highlighted by Nairobis have prevented the father from visiting the hospital for several days, even as his newborn daughter remains hospitalized.
The death of Aniari Barrientos Vázquez demands a thorough investigation. The state's duty is to ensure proper healthcare, communicate with families, and be accountable when deaths occur under questionable circumstances. The family deserves clarity on the care she received, the cause of her passing, and why they were left uninformed for days.
As they await answers, four children need food, clothing, and care, while a father strives to rebuild his life after losing his wife. Nairobis Sánchez's campaign aims to ensure they are not abandoned. Nevertheless, while necessary, solidarity should not allow the state to shirk its responsibilities amid a crisis impacting everyone.
The Juan Bruno Zayas Hospital, where Aniari reportedly died, has faced numerous complaints. Just last week, the family of a resident from Nuevo Bamba, Palma Soriano, reported another death due to delays and lack of medication.
Nairobis Sánchez, a Santiago-based activist, uses social media to highlight families in crisis and connect them with supporters both inside and outside Cuba.
Recently, he shared the story of a seven-month-old baby whose mother had died, a single mother with a baby with Down syndrome and a heart murmur, and a family with a baby suffering from severe scabies, for whom a Cuban resident in the United States donated a crib, food, and 17,000 Cuban pesos.
Understanding the Crisis in Cuban Healthcare
What are the main challenges faced by the father after his wife's death?
After his wife's passing, the father faces the challenge of caring for four children alone, including a newborn still hospitalized, with limited financial resources.
How has the community responded to the family's situation?
The community, led by activist Nairobis Sánchez, has responded by launching a solidarity campaign to gather food, financial aid, and essential supplies for the family.
What are the allegations against the hospital where Aniari died?
The family alleges that Aniari did not receive adequate medical care and that there was a lack of communication regarding her deteriorating condition. They also claim that her body was in a state of decomposition when received.
What broader issues does this case highlight regarding healthcare in Cuba?
Aniari's case underscores the deterioration of maternal healthcare in Cuba, as evidenced by rising maternal mortality rates and ongoing complaints about inadequate medical services and resources.