Cuba says economic restrictions are placing severe pressure on its healthcare system, with thousands of patients, including children, waiting for surgery.

At a Windhoek solidarity dinner, Cuba's Ambassador, Sergio Vigoa de la Uz, outlined the healthcare challenges facing the island, while campaign chairperson Helmuth Angula urged continued public support.

Behind Cuba's economic crisis are hospital waiting lists, shortages of essential supplies and families struggling to access treatment.

Cuba's Ambassador to Namibia says the impact of recent sanctions has reached the country's healthcare system, with children and elderly people among those facing the consequences.

The country is also experiencing a rise in infant mortality and a decline in survival rates among children and young people with cancer.

"Currently, the surgical waiting list in the country has reached 100,000 patients, 12,000 of whom are children. The sanctions of recent months have impacted international trade, prohibiting even a litre of oil from reaching Cuba, with the consequences this entails for any economy and the terrible impact on the most vulnerable population, especially children and the elderly."

The Namibia-Cuba Solidarity Committee launched its fundraising campaign in April, targeting N$5 million for medical supplies and solar energy kits to the health centres.

The committee says some medical supplies have already been procured from 1.7 million raised so far, which are expected to be shipped to Cuba soon.

However, additional resources are needed to purchase a 20-foot container of solar kits.