Cuba’s energy-health squeeze: A Cuban bishop says people are arriving at parishes having “not eaten in days,” with frequent fainting during celebrations, and warns that some major hospitals can’t carry out surgeries due to lack of water and materials. Humanitarian strain in daily life: Independent reporting describes blackouts lasting most of the day, empty pharmacies, and families unable to cook or store food safely—turning electricity outages into direct health risk. Sanctions and care backlogs: A Cuban parliamentary hearing cites healthcare as a “sensitive sector,” with more than 96,000 patients awaiting surgery (including 11,000 children) and falling survival for children with cancer. Medical solidarity abroad: Cuba’s ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago confirms 59 Cuban medical professionals still working there, raising questions about what happens after 2027. Powering clinics with solar: Cuba is stepping up renewable energy with China donating solar kits to power healthcare centers and water pumping stations. Food access crisis: Cuba’s rice shortfall remains severe as leaders push a joint rice project, while households still rely on rationed amounts. Regional health risks: Human Rights Watch reports deported Cubans and other nationals sent to Mexico face barriers to shelter, healthcare, and safety. US pressure escalates: Cuba warns of growing US aggression as tensions rise around the Raúl Castro indictment and broader sanctions.