Cuba Vive is a medical aid appeal to send life-saving medicines, surgical and other vital medical aid to Cuba.
Cuba’s commitment to health as a human right has helped the country achieve world-renowned health services for its people despite 62 years of an illegal US blockade.
Today, these achievements are under threat. A combination of the COVID-19 pandemic, global economic crisis, climate change, extra sanctions imposed by the Trump administration, and Cuba’s inclusion on the US State Sponsors of Terrorism (SSOT) list has taken a terrible toll on the health service.
Let Cuba Live
Cuba’s dedicated health professionals struggle with limited resources to treat patients. From surgical supplies to spare parts, paracetamol to sutures: items that are in plentiful supply in the UK, are increasingly hard to come by or cost up to three or four times more.
Today’s shortages are unprecedented. After leading the region for many years, Cuba’s impressive health indicators are beginning to suffer. Between 2019 and 2022 the infant mortality rate rose from 5 per thousand live births to 7.5 per thousand.
In response, the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, and UNISON North West, Northern, Northern Ireland and Scotland regions have launched a medical appeal to send containers of life-saving medicines, raw materials, surgical supplies and medical equipment to Cuba.