April 17, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

Cuba is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis marked by repeated nationwide power grid failures, prolonged blackouts that last many hours across the island and acute fuel shortages. The ongoing economic and energy crisis has severely disrupted access to food, clean water, health care and other essential services.

Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), announced an additional $5.5 million in international assistance to respond directly to the urgent needs of vulnerable Cubans.

The Pan American Health Organization will receive $5 million from this new funding to protect the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in Cuba. The initiative aims to improve availability of and access to essential health services, critical medicines and medical supplies. It will also help to strengthen supply chains and support primary health care facilities and referral hospitals. The remaining funding will be allocated to the World Food Programme to provide food assistance to Cubans and support essential logistics and fuel needs for the humanitarian response. Canada works through experienced and trusted organizations to ensure that assistance reaches the Cuban people directly, particularly the most vulnerable.

Canada continues to monitor the situation in Cuba and remains in close contact with partners to assess and respond to evolving needs.