Cuba's Ambassador to Namibia has expressed concern over the impact of the economic blockade by the United States against Cuba on social sectors of health, sports, and education.

Speaking at a press conference, Sergio Vigoa de la Uz stated that surgery has been one of the most affected areas as a result of the shortage of resources like medication and medical equipment.  

Currently, 94,729 patients are on the waiting list to undergo operations. 

"The national list of essential medicines in Cuba included 651 items, 250 of which are imported and 401 are produced by the Cuban companies, but 69% of them have been impacted by the blockade because of the raw material or some other issue."

Cuba cannot normally access advanced US-manufactured technologies and medicine, nor medical equipment, of which 10% of recognised components are made in the US.  Instead, it should do so through the third market, which will probably cost higher prices. 

Apart from the health sector, the blockade has also affected the sports sector to an estimated amount of US$4.1 million. 

Obstacles to receiving payments for professional services provided abroad and in Cuba are considered a significant factor impacting the sector. 

Furthermore, the Cuban educational sector is also affected by the blockade, with an estimated amount of USD 89.7 million.  

A total of 63 Braille machines and 20 Braille printers are needed for the education of children and teenagers with visual impairments, but only 3 printers are currently available.