Cuba denounces detention of epilepsy medication containers in Colombia

The Cuban government has publicly denounced the detention of two shipping containers carrying valproate sodium, a crucial medication for epilepsy treatment, at the port of Cartagena de Indias in Colombia. State media reported that the German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd is refusing to release the freight, claiming adherence to the U.S. blockade against Cuba.

State company Medicuba emphasized the severe implications of depriving the Cuban population of this essential drug. Epilepsy requires continuous treatment to prevent seizures and patient deterioration, making the detention a direct threat to public health. Medicuba has formally demanded the immediate release of the containers and has called upon the international community to address the situation.

This incident follows a similar event on July 14, when the French shipping company CMA CGM detained dozens of containers bound for Cuba in Jamaica. Among those held was a container filled with medical supplies sent by the European solidarity organization SODePAZ, intended for the health system in Santiago de Cuba province. These detentions highlight the increasing challenges faced by Cuba in receiving essential goods due to international shipping companies' concerns over U.S. sanctions.

Both Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM had previously announced in May their cessation of accepting new orders destined for Cuba. This decision was made pending an analysis of the potential repercussions of a U.S. Executive Order that expands sanctions against Havana. The order threatens to freeze U.S. assets of individuals or entities working for or supporting the Cuban government. The situation is further compounded by recent decisions from major Spanish hotel chains, Meliá, Iberostar, and Barceló, to cease operations in Cuba, citing difficulties with supply shortages exacerbated by U.S. sanctions.