Miguel Díaz-Canel, the Cuban leader, on Thursday hailed the recent United Nations vote against the U.S. embargo as a "victory" during a visit to the "William Soler" Pediatric University Hospital in Havana. This comes despite Cuba experiencing its worst diplomatic outcome on this resolution in thirty years.
Addressing doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff, Díaz-Canel asserted, "You are part of this victory we achieved at the UN, as the respect for our country is connected to what you have done in Cuba and through international missions," according to a statement from the Cuban Presidency.
The annual resolution calling for the lifting of the embargo was approved on Wednesday with 130 votes in favor, 17 against, and 25 abstentions, compared to the 165 votes of support in 2025 and 187 in 2024.
Within just a year, Cuba lost 35 favorable votes, while those opposing increased from seven to 17.
Countries that voted against the resolution included Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Morocco, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Arab Emirates, several of which altered their previous positions.
Challenges in the Cuban Health Sector
During his meeting with healthcare workers, Díaz-Canel acknowledged the challenging conditions under which Cuban health professionals operate.
"In light of what we’ve accomplished during these tough times and how we overcame them, we must always recognize the significant efforts of the health personnel, working without fuel, transportation, medications, or energy," he remarked.
Back in August, Díaz-Canel admitted that only 30% of the essential medicines were available in Cuba, a situation that severely impacted pharmacies and hospitals.
The Cuban health system was described as "on the brink of collapse" by the Health Minister, José Ángel Portal Miranda, in February of this year, and the WHO issued an alert regarding the island's health conditions in March.
Exploring Hospital Facilities
During the visit, Díaz-Canel toured several hospital facilities, including the Virtual Simulation Classroom, the Telemedicine Department, and the Surgery Room.
The hospital's director, Alena Fontane Valdés, showcased various specialized programs, highlighting those related to neonatal surgery and pediatric transplants.
Although the Cuban government touts the result as a political triumph, the resolution passed by the UN General Assembly is not legally binding and does not entail the lifting of U.S. sanctions.
Key Aspects of Cuba's UN Resolution and Health System
What was the outcome of the recent UN vote regarding the U.S. embargo on Cuba?
The resolution calling for the lifting of the U.S. embargo was approved with 130 votes in favor, 17 against, and 25 abstentions.
How has Cuba's support changed in the UN vote compared to previous years?
Cuba lost 35 favorable votes in a year, decreasing from 165 in 2025 to 130, while votes against the resolution increased from seven to 17.
What are the current challenges facing the Cuban health system?
The Cuban health system is struggling with shortages of medications, fuel, transportation, and energy, affecting hospitals and pharmacies across the island.