Dynamics of vulnerability and COVID-19 health crisis management in Cuba

Abstract

COVID-19 has made visible systemic inequities, multiplied vulnerability conditions, and uncovered the lack of capacity of numerous public institutions to respond to the pandemic. The paper aims to analyze and contextualize the health crisis management, as well as vulnerable groups’ care in Cuba during the first year of the pandemic. For this purpose, a mixed approach was selected, which combines qualitative content analysis with statistical data obtained from primary and secondary sources. Findings revealed that more than half of the Cuban population is vulnerable to COVID-19 due to factors such as age, gender, race, physical health, living conditions, and limitations to access to basic rights associated to quality food, dignified housing, and potable water rights. Epidemiological statistics collected between March 2020 and March 2021, show an adequate management of the sanitary contingency based on the coordination of governmental structures with scientific and technological sectors and public and universal health infrastructure. However, there are contradictory strategies in caring for vulnerable populations that deepen previously existing inequalities and dynamize and extend vulnerability conditions. COVID-19 constitutes a window of opportunity to rethink country development strategies from a comprehensive social policy model.