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The Cuban actress and singer Iyaima Martínez Navarro is facing a serious health issue that has prompted calls for help from colleagues on social media.
He is in an extremely difficult situation, wrote actor Hamlet Paredes Grau on his Facebook account, where he detailed that the father of the artist also recently underwent amputation of both legs. Paredes made an urgent appeal to obtain Tramadol, strong painkillers for adults, and any possible assistance. It’s not just any help he needs, but any help is appreciated, he added, thanking those who have already contributed and offering contacts to coordinate donations within and outside of Cuba.
Days before, actress Katherine T. Gavilán had also posted a similar message, requesting "disposable diapers, absorbent sheets, anti-bedsore cream" and other medical supplies. "If you are in Havana or traveling there and can spare a few pounds to help us get [the supplies], we would greatly appreciate it,” she wrote.
Iyaima Martínez Navarro was born in Havana on November 16, 1974. She studied at the National School of Theater Instructors (ENIT) and has been a member of the theater group Punto Azul since 2000. She has worked on projects in theater, television, and film, and since 2015, she has also performed as a singer in genres such as trova, bolero, filin, jazz, canción, son, and guaracha.
Participated in films such as Madrigal, José Martí, el ojo del canario, La pared de las palabras, and Insumisas, as well as on television in the series Rompiendo el silencio and El último bolero. She was a Voice and Diction instructor at the National School of Theater.
Among her accolades are a Shared Acting Award at the Vital Teatro Festival (2001) and a Special Jury Mention and the Terry Award (2019) for the monologue Fermentation.
A sad reality that is becoming increasingly common
In recent weeks, other cases of Cuban artists facing similar situations have come to light. The actor Alejandro Palomino has asked for support for his wife, the actress Nora Elena Rodríguez, who is suffering from a heart condition that requires surgery.
The actor Jorge Losada, 91 years old, has needed urgent blood donations and assistance in obtaining a wheelchair due to medical complications.
Also, actor Samuel Claxton, recovering from a nephrostomy, has been waiting for medical tubes for months, surviving with community support.
Cases like these sadly reflect not only the situation of artists in Cuba, but also a broader reality that affects athletes, retirees, the elderly, and ordinary citizens, who face serious shortages in accessing medical treatments and dignified living conditions. In this context, solidarity becomes the primary resource in the absence of resources and effective social protection mechanisms.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Health Situation of Cuban Artists
What is the health situation of Iyaima Martínez Navarro?
Iyaima Martínez Navarro is facing an extremely difficult health situation. An urgent call has been made to obtain medications such as Tramadol and other strong painkillers for adults. Additionally, assistance is requested with medical supplies such as disposable diapers and absorbent sheets.
Why are calls for help made for Cuban artists?
In Cuba, many artists face serious difficulties in accessing medical treatments and dignified living conditions. Solidarity becomes the main resource in the absence of effective social protection mechanisms and resources. Cases like that of Iyaima Martínez Navarro reflect a broader reality that also affects athletes, retirees, and ordinary citizens.
What other Cuban artists are in similar situations?
In addition to Iyaima Martínez Navarro, actor Alejandro Palomino has requested support for his wife, Nora Elena Rodríguez, who needs heart surgery. Actor Samuel Claxton also requires urgent medical assistance. These cases highlight the neglect from the state towards artists who, despite their contribution to culture, face extremely vulnerable conditions.
How does the health crisis in Cuba affect the population as a whole?
The health crisis in Cuba has worsened due to the lack of more than 70% of essential medications. This has forced many patients to turn to the informal market or rely on donations from abroad. The situation has also affected hospitals, which are facing an alarming shortage of medical supplies, putting the care of the general population at risk.
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