Buenos Aires, March 10 (NA) – The fuel shortage in Cuba, or its total absence in some jurisdictions, has led to a humanitarian crisis, and the island's health system is approaching a critical point, a UN spokesperson said today. "We remain deeply concerned about the increasingly deteriorating situation resulting from the inability to import fuel," said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as reported by the Argentine News Agency. Washington had previously prohibited the shipment of oil from Venezuela to Cuba. "This triggered an energy crisis," the agency stated. The global organization is negotiating with its member countries, including the United States, to ensure that aid can be delivered without obstacles, Dujarric said at a press conference. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that hospitals are facing frequent blackouts, a shortage of essential medicines, and an inability to operate, as well as impacts on oncology, dialysis, emergency services, maternal and child care, cold chain systems, and care for chronic and non-urgent conditions. It also noted that approximately 16,000 cancer patients need radiotherapy, and more than 12,000 who depend on chemotherapy cannot receive the necessary treatment due to blackouts and resource shortages. Over 80% of water pumping infrastructure depends on electricity, which has resulted in a widespread and prolonged disruption of services. The US administration announced last month that it will allow a small amount of oil to enter Cuba, but it can only be sold to the private sector, not to the government.
