The Austria-Cuba Friendship Association (ÖKG)'s donation will boost implementation of photovoltaic systems in Cuban pediatric hospital

The Austria-Cuba Friendship Association (ÖKG) donated ten thousand euros to the MediCuba-Europe project , which will contribute to the implementation of photovoltaic systems at the Cardiocenter of the William Soler Pediatric Hospital , located in Havana. This contribution aims to transform the energy infrastructure of this institution, recognized as a national referral center for the treatment of complex cardiovascular diseases in children.

The primary purpose of the donation is to safeguard the operational capacity of vital areas such as operating rooms and intensive care units . By generating renewable energy, the aim is to mitigate disruptions to the functioning of essential equipment, especially given the intensification of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States .

US coercive measures severely hinder access to fuels , so the transition to renewable sources becomes a strategic measure to mitigate the effects of sanctions and ensure the well-being of the Cuban people in the face of external pressures.

This contribution is part of ÖKG's ongoing collaboration with the Cuban healthcare sector. In 2025, the organization funded the purchase of pacemakers and the installation of solar-powered electricity at the Latin American School of Medicine ( ELAM ), a project now in its final stages and already providing direct benefits to its student community.

The Austrian initiative reaffirms the support of international organizations for the sustainability of Cuba's public health system. The ÖKG is already preparing new fundraising campaigns to maintain support for social impact programs that guarantee the stability of medical institutions on the Caribbean island.

In the latest attack by US President Donald Trump against the Cuban government and people, the president signed an executive order empowering Washington to impose sanctions on goods from countries that supply oil to Cuba.

However, in an effort to mitigate the impacts of Trump's unilateral measures, international cooperation is complemented by the recent strategic decisions of the Cuban government to transform its energy matrix.

Resolution 41/2026 establishes a framework of tax incentives that exempts those who invest in renewable energy sources from paying income and profit taxes. This policy applies both to self-consumption and to the sale of electricity to the National Electric System .

To date, 56 projects are already operating under this incentive program in provinces such as Villa Clara, Camagüey, and Havana. In addition to these internal efforts, the Latin American Continental Network recently launched a solidarity campaign in Brazil to equip Cuban schools with solar panels.

With the support of organizations like the Landless Workers' Movement (MST) , this initiative seeks to ensure a reliable electricity supply in schools, protecting essential social services from external constraints. Both factors—incentivized domestic investment and international solidarity—converge on a common goal: strengthening Cuba's energy sovereignty .