Dr. Alfredo Sadun, one of America's top eye specialists, investigates a mysterious blindness epidemic in 1990s Cuba, where 50,000 people lost their sight during a severe economic crisis. Dr. Sadun recounts his urgent mission, facing potential dangers while collaborating with Fidel Castro. Initial fears of a viral cause shift to uncover that methanol poisoning from bootleg rum was to blame. The findings led to crucial health interventions, showcasing the struggles and resilience of Cuban society during this difficult period.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Delayed Response
Dr. Alfredo Sadun, a leading eye specialist, was contacted by WHO about a blindness epidemic in Cuba in 1993.
Despite the urgency, he delayed his trip to consult his wife and prepare his team.
insights INSIGHT
Coincidental Crisis
The blindness epidemic in Cuba coincided with a severe economic crisis following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Initially, the epidemic seemed unconnected to the economic hardship.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Castro's Introduction
Dr. Sadun and his team were granted access to Cuba despite the US travel ban due to concerns about the epidemic.
Fidel Castro, while attentive to details, introduced Dr. Sadun strategically, avoiding his American nationality.
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In the early 1990s, as Cuba faced a devastating economic crisis, leading to severe food shortages and malnutrition, around 50,000 Cubans were inexplicably struck down with sight loss.
One of America's leading eye specialists, Dr Alfredo Sadun, was invited to the communist-ruled island by Fidel Castrol to help figure out what was going on. Mike Lanchin spoke to Dr Sadun in 2021.
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(Photo: A man undergoes an eye examination in Cuba in1993. Credit: Adalberto Roque/AFP/Getty Images)
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