The Republic of Cuba is the largest country in the Caribbean. It has a population of 11 million people. The United States continue to impose a commercial, economic, and financial embargo against Cuba. Although people with disabilities receive free medical care, the lack of transport and of modern, specialist equipment (such as hearing tests) limit this access to healthcare. The Covid-19 crisis has worsened the situation, depriving the country from one of its main resources: tourism.
People with disabilities are particularly vulnerable when natural disasters occur, in particular hurricanes such as hurricane Matthew, which hit the east of Cuba in October 2016, affecting 300,000 people.
Number of HI staff members: 9
Date the programme opened: 1998