A report by the NGO Prisoners Defenders exposed a large scale humanitarian crisis in Cuba. According to the document, nearly 90,000 prisoners suffer from conditions of severe malnutrition that put their lives at direct risk
.The report states that inmates receive between 250 and 353 calories a day. It's just 10% to 14% of what is needed for an adult.
“Severe undernourishment” and irreversible physical damage
The president of the organization, Javier Larrondo,
was forceful.“We're not talking about a bad diet. We are talking about severe undernourishment,” he warned
.The consequences are serious:
Extreme weight loss
Anemia
Immunosuppression
Neurological damage
High vulnerability to infections
The report indicates that these effects may appear
within a few months.A diet that does not cover the minimum
Food in prison is extremely limited.
Breakfast is usually bread and tea.
Lunch and dinner include small portions of rice, soup and a croquette.
The result is a critical deficit of proteins, vitamins and minerals.
The daily protein intake does not exceed 10 grams.
The supply of vitamin C is practically zero.
This causes diseases such as scurvy, beriberi and severe muscle deterioration.
Unsanitary conditions and medical neglect
The situation is aggravated
by poor hygiene.The cells are infested with insects.
Prisoners suffer from injuries, infections and sleep problems.
Access to health care is scarce or non-existent.
This multiplies the risk of complications and death.
