For the 21st time, a resolution will be put to the United Nations today to reject the more than 50-year U.S. economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba. It is expected that once again the blockade will be overwhelmingly condemned and the international community will demand that it be lifted. A report presented by Cuba prior to the vote indicates that as of December 2011, Cuba had suffered economic damage worth U.S.$1.66 trillion. Between May 2011 and April 2012, the health care sector in Cuba incurred losses amounting to approximately $10 million, mainly due to remoteness from foreign markets and increased import prices of medicines, reagents, disposables, spare parts, medical instruments and equipment, news agencies report. For example, the William Soler Hospital, like other Cuban pediatric hospitals, does not have Levosimendan, used for the treatment of acute heart failure, which is only produced by the U.S.-based Abbott Laboratories. The acquisition of alternative medicines for children suffering from leukemia is also affected. From March 2011 to March 2012, damage to the food sector is estimated at $131,572,967, as a result of importing foodstuffs from distant markets, increased insurance and freight costs, plus the additional cost of tying up resources. Year after year, the Assembly has adopted the document entitled "Necessity to End the Economic, Commercial and Financial Blockade imposed by the United States of America against Cuba." Last year, the resolution was adopted by 186 out of 193 UN member states. Only the United States and Israel voted against the resolution while the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau abstained. |