The city council of Turin, Italy, approved a resolution condemning the US economic blockade against Cuba and demanding concrete aid projects. Similar events in the Philippines and Chile reiterated international support for the Caribbean nation amid intensified sanctions. These actions highlight Cuba's resilience and its global health cooperation.
On March 12, 2026, the Turin City Council in Italy approved a resolution presented by councilors Claudio Cerrato and Maria Grazia Grippo of the Democratic Party (PD), denouncing the severe effects of the US-imposed economic, commercial, and financial blockade on Cuba. The document expresses concern over the consequences of the oil blockade, stemming from an executive order preventing fuel imports and causing an energy and humanitarian crisis. According to the resolution, this shortage paralyzes essential services such as food distribution, water supply, and health center operations, severely impacting the most vulnerable population segments.
The council urged local authorities, in collaboration with the Civil Protection Department and humanitarian organizations, to assess aid initiatives like collecting medicines and basic necessities. It also called on the Italian government to oppose the blockade in international forums, promote cooperation, and inform Parliament about the situation in Cuba for institutional debate. The resolution references the solidarity between Turin and Cuba, noting the Henry Reeve Medical Brigade's contribution in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This initiative joins others in Italy, such as "Energy for Life," co-sponsored by the National Italy-Cuba Friendship Association, ARCI, the Italian General Confederation of Labor, and the National Association of Italian Partisans, and the "A Medicine for Cuba" campaign promoted by the Base Trade Union (USB).
In Manila, Philippines, an event at Ateneo University under the slogan "Anti-imperialist solidarity from Manila to Havana" gathered students, members of the Philippines-Cuba Cultural and Friendship Association, the World Peace Council, and other groups. Cuban Ambassador Yadira Ledesma explained via videoconference how Cuba has withstood imperialist aggressions and sanctions for 67 years. Participants highlighted Cuba's resilience, social justice achievements, and health cooperation.
In Chile, a demonstration in front of the US Embassy, organized by the Solidarity Movement, the Communist Party, Communist Youth, and other entities, reaffirmed support for Cuba. Councilor Dafne Concha stated: "Today we come to tell the United States that Cuba is not alone and that we will fight so that it can continue with its own project, defending its people." Amaya Candia, president of the International Medical Society of Graduates of the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM), emphasized the over 32,000 doctors from 122 countries and condemned campaigns against Cuban medical brigades.
