December 17, 2025

Cuba’s universal, free healthcare has long been heralded as an example of what is possible for countries in the Global South. But in recent years, Cuba has been devastated by U.S. sanctions, and a mosquito-borne epidemic has put its once vaunted healthcare system to the test.

We take a deep dive into this recent health crisis, which has been exacerbated by shortages of fuel, medicine and equipment. Interviews with patients, their family members and doctors show how a public health system designed to offer preventative care has been forced into crisis management.