The Canadian government announced on Friday 5.5 million Canadian dollars, equivalent to 4 million US dollars, in aid to address urgent food and medicine needs in Cuba. The funds will go to the Pan American Health Organization and the World Food Programme. This assistance adds to a February donation.
The Canadian government stated it will provide 5.5 million Canadian dollars to support vulnerable populations in Cuba, focusing on medicines and food. "They are for urgent needs of food and medicine," the official statement said.
Of that amount, 5 million Canadian dollars will go to the Pan American Health Organization to improve access to essential health services, critical medicines, and medical supplies. It will also strengthen supply chains and support primary health facilities and reference hospitals.
The remaining 500,000 Canadian dollars will be allocated to the World Food Programme to provide food assistance and cover essential logistics and fuel needs for the humanitarian response.
This new aid adds to the 8 million Canadian dollars provided at the end of February to the World Food Programme and UNICEF for food purchases. Canadian authorities said they will continue monitoring the situation in Cuba to assess and respond to evolving needs.