UN in Cuba Regrets “Challenges” Moving Humanitarian Aid to the Island

Humanitarian aid bound for Cuba had to be flown rather than shipped by sea, creating extra costs and delaying deliveries, the UN System in Cuba said. The organization described the transport process as involving “additional costs in transport” and “greater logistical challenges.”

Despite those obstacles, 213,000 bottles of prenatal supplements purchased by UNICEF Cuba with support from the South Korean government are now in Cuba. The supplies are intended to benefit about 30,430 pregnant and breastfeeding women.

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Whatever happens, 213,000 bottles of prenatal supplements, purchased by UNICEF Cuba with support from the Government of South Korea, are already in Cuba.

UNICEF previously said it had arranged an air shipment from Panama City to Havana after maritime transport proved impossible. The agency covered the additional expense from its own resources and said the aim was to ensure pregnant Cuban women received the complete treatment required during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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May nothing stop humanitarian work.

The delivery arrived as Cuba faces a deep economic crisis and shortages of basic goods, including food and medicine. The account links worsening conditions to a US oil blockade and additional sanctions affecting key sectors and companies doing business with the Cuban government.

It also says the French shipping company CMA CGM and Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd stopped accepting new Cuba-related orders after a US executive order signed by President Donald Trump threatened asset freezes for people and companies connected to the government in Havana. Cuban officials said more than 7,000 containers carrying food, energy and water-sector supplies, and medicines were being held at Caribbean ports.

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The goal of saving lives cannot wait.