UN issues urgent appeal as Cuba faces worsening humanitarian crisis

The United Nations has issued an urgent call for international support as Cuba grapples with a worsening humanitarian crisis fueled by prolonged fuel shortages and the lingering devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa last year.

Fuel shortages in the country have deepened after Washington took measures at the end of January to block oil supplies from entering the Caribbean nation, significantly straining electricity generation, food production, transportation, and health services.

Despite the reported arrival of limited fuel supplies — including a recent oil shipment from Russia that was allowed to dock last week — humanitarian needs in the country remain “quite acute and persistent,” according to the United Nations’ top official in Cuba. The impacts of the energy shock have also worsened since the end of March.

Resident Coordinator Francisco Pichon, briefing reporters in New York via video link, unveiled an updated Action Plan aimed at supporting around two million people across eight provinces. The plan builds on earlier recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, with a particular focus on stabilizing the island’s collapsing power grid.

Shock to Daily Life

The humanitarian situation has reached a critical tipping point following three months without sufficient fuel to meet Cuba’s energy needs. Venezuela had historically supplied much of the country’s fuel, but recent geopolitical developments and restrictions have disrupted those supplies.

The crisis worsened further last month when the national electrical system disconnected three times, leaving large parts of the country without power for days.

The energy shortage has significantly disrupted essential services. Health systems are now facing a backlog of more than 96,000 pending surgeries, including 11,000 involving children. The National Immunization Programme has also been delayed for thousands of infants.

In addition, roughly one million people are now dependent on water trucking, a service that has been severely constrained due to diesel shortages.

Focus on Vulnerable Populations

Pichon emphasized that the crisis has disproportionately affected vulnerable groups.

Cuba, which has the most aged population in Latin America, is seeing heightened risks for nearly 300,000 elderly citizens living alone, along with more than 100,000 people with disabilities and approximately 32,000 pregnant women.

“The humanitarian consequences continue every day, despite recent efforts to deliver fuel; the situation comes on top of multiple shocks,” Pichon said.

To help address the situation, the United Nations is shifting toward more sustainable energy solutions. The updated Action Plan includes installing solar power systems for irrigation, hospitals, and schools, along with strengthening water pumping infrastructure to reduce dependence on the fragile national grid.

Food assistance is also being prepared for delivery by the World Food Programme to communities affected by Hurricane Melissa.

‘Critical Window of Opportunity’

While the UN has already mobilized $26.2 million, a significant funding gap of $68 million remains.

Pichon said the UN is working closely with national authorities and the private sector to identify logistical solutions that will ensure aid operations remain viable.

“We believe this is a critical window of opportunity to mobilise resources and raise awareness of the urgency,” he said.