Cuba Solidarity Groups Deliver Humanitarian Aid Despite Ongoing U.S. Blockade

In a continued effort to alleviate the hardships faced by Cuban citizens amidst the persistent U.S. blockade, CODEPINK, Bridges of Love, and ACERE, successfully delivered another round of vital humanitarian aid to Cuba on February 23rd.

CODEPINK’s Medea Benjamin, Bridges of Love’s Carlo Lazo, and ACERE’s Mayto Sosa oversaw the delivery of 3000 pounds of powdered milk to Cuba’s central Camagüey and Ciego de Avila provinces. This latest endeavor follows a similar humanitarian mission undertaken in January, during which the peace activists delivered 1000 pounds of powdered milk to children in need at the William Soler pediatric hospital alongside 71,000 pancreatin tablets for cystic fibrosis patients.

The dire necessity for such aid stems directly from the internationally condemned and immoral measures imposed on Cuba by the United States.

The 3000 pounds of powdered milk should account for 50,000 glasses for children in pediatric hospitals in both provinces. The recent delivery underlines the critical role such aid plays in supporting Cuba’s most vulnerable to the challenges posed by the blockade.

The current scarcity of milk in Cuba directly results from the combined impact of the blockade and the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted the country’s economy, including its tourism industry. Usually provided free by the government to children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with medical needs, the blockade’s constraints on imports and financial transactions limit the government’s ability to provide the necessary amount of milk and other health needs. 

Bridges of Love, in coalition with CODEPINK and peace organizations, remains at the forefront of efforts to challenge the economic, commercial, and financial blockade that has endured through multiple U.S. administrations, both Democratic and Republican.

Acknowledging the reception of the aid by local authorities in Camagüey, representatives from the Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown by the activist groups, signifying the importance of international support in the face of cruel and oppressive U.S. foreign policy.