The dire humanitarian situation in Cuba was brought into sharp focus again today in Windhoek, with the Namibian National Solidarity Campaign with Cuba appealing for more contributions to save Cuban lives.

The National Solidarity campaign today announced that more than 700 thousand dollars have been raised in support of humanitarian efforts towards the Caribbean island nation.

Since the launch of the national solidarity campaign with Cuba on the 22nd of April this year, locals have contributed to the cause, giving financial contributions to procure critical and urgent commodities.

The Chairperson of the National Solidarity Campaign with Cuba, Helmuth Angula, pointed out that the campaign received a good and encouraging response from Namibians.

The National Solidarity Campaign will now start procuring the first batch of urgently needed international medical supplies, which will be shipped to Cuba as soon as logistical arrangements are finalised.

"The humanitarian situation requires urgent action. Our immediate focus is to ensure that life-saving medical supplies reach those who need them most. Every contribution made by Namibians will make a big difference and save precious lives."

The Cuban ambassador to Namibia, Sergio de la Uz, had difficulty containing his emotions when he informed the media briefing about the situation in his country, where more than 100 thousand surgical operations had to be postponed due to the lack of medical supplies and equipment.

As a result, 12,000 children are affected, while the infant mortality rate has doubled.

"Sometimes words are not easy to say, and when you have this kind of initiative coming from our real friends, brothers and sisters – more than friends – this campaign, what you have already collected maybe is a number. I think it is a big number, but sometimes it is not the problem of the big number, sometimes it is the question of what moves from your heart. Any donation, any 10 or 5 that have been collected from any person, from the civil society, from the Namibian population, is very important because it comes from the heart."

The National Solidarity Committee with Cuba called on Namibians and the international community to continue supporting humanitarian initiatives aimed at strengthening access to healthcare and essential services in Cuba. Regular updates will be provided on the progress of the campaign.