MOST READ: South African students trapped in Cuba – no food, no pads
Miriam Mashego* is down to her last two packs of sanitary pads.
While it appears that Cuba has had success in containing the transmission of the virus and controlling the outbreak – having closed its borders, public transport, schools and the tourism industry – the availability of basic and essential goods such as pads, toilet paper and other toiletries has taken the hardest hit.
“We also wrote to the health ministry in South Africa and received a response that a submission was made to the office of the director-general to procure the items for the students, but they were still waiting for approvals. The shortage has been a longstanding issue in the country, but it has since been exacerbated by the pandemic.“To tell you the truth, when most of us went home in 2017 we brought back enough pads to last us until we go home again, which is supposed to be in July, because we knew the situation here in Cuba.
Mokoma said 721 of them would be returning to South Africa in July, but argued that it was too long a time to wait until they get access to quality supplies and food. He said they needed help urgently, adding that while they did still get meals from the school dining halls, it wasn’t enough. He said they went hungry on most days from the inadequate portions.
“We are appealing that our concerns be taken seriously. We are far away from home and our government is our only hope at this point. Living without toiletries is challenging, especially for the women. In the event that it’s not possible for supplies to reach Cuba, we appeal that alternative measures be taken by our government to help us,” Mokoma pleaded.
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