Cuba asks UN for help as food shortages worsen

Cuba has appealed to the United Nations for assistance as the country faces worsening food shortages. The island nation has been grappling with a severe economic crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and longstanding US sanctions.

The Cuban government has requested aid from the UN’s World Food Programme to help address the growing hunger crisis. The country’s agriculture sector has been hard hit by the economic downturn, leading to a shortage of basic food staples such as rice, beans, and cooking oil.

According to official data, nearly 70% of Cubans are considered food insecure, with many families unable to afford basic groceries. The government has implemented measures such as price controls and rationing, but these efforts have been insufficient to meet the population’s needs.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has warned that the situation could worsen in the coming months if no action is taken. He has called on the international community to provide support and assistance to help alleviate the suffering of the Cuban people.

The UN has stated that it is closely monitoring the situation in Cuba and stands ready to provide assistance if requested. The World Food Programme is working with Cuban authorities to assess the extent of the food crisis and determine the best course of action to address it.

As the food shortages in Cuba continue to worsen, the international community is being called upon to help prevent a humanitarian disaster in the Caribbean nation.