HAVANA — A Cuban government report released in June 2026 stated that the survival rate for children with cancer fell to 65% from 85% after energy restrictions began in January. Hospitals across Cuba are experiencing severe shortages of medical supplies, including syringes, gauze, vaccines, and anesthetics. These facilities lack spare parts essential for repairing critical equipment such as hemodialysis machines and CT scanners.

Irisleydis Tristá, a 34-year-old cancer patient from Batabanó, has been unable to get a CT scan for seven months because the CT scanner at Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital in Havana is broken. Doctors informed Tristá that further operations in Cuba are not possible due to resource limitations. "I feel like my life is in danger," Tristá said. "I don’t know if it has grown. We have no way of knowing."

Specialist Yolainy Romero at the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology in Havana described the situation for pediatric cancer patients. "This situation is terrible," Romero said. "We have had children die. Two so far this year." She noted that some children, especially those from distant provinces, are scheduled to return to the hospital every 21 days for treatment. "Sometimes a week or even 15 days go by before they can come because of the fuel shortage," Romero added.

The Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization have encountered difficulties distributing humanitarian aid within Cuba. Mario Cruz Peñate, a representative for both organizations in Cuba, stated that fuel shortages have caused "quite large" disruptions to health services. "For Cuba, a country with health indicators comparable to those of developed nations — including low mortality, high life expectancy, broad vaccination coverage and widespread prenatal care — the situation 'is shocking,'" Peñate said. The United Nations launched a $94 million emergency plan in March to address the humanitarian crisis stemming from the energy blockade.

Cuba has experienced persistent power outages lasting more than 20 hours, leading to gasoline rationing and declines in industrial and food production. The White House has threatened countries selling fuel to Cuba and increased pressure on foreign companies and individuals to cease business with Havana. Medical specialists and technicians have departed Cuba in large numbers.