Demographic shifts and trends are under thorough scrutiny and analysis
In the heart of Cuba, officials are taking action to address recent setbacks in reducing infant mortality and improving maternal health outcomes. The nation, once renowned for its low infant mortality rates comparable to developed countries, is currently grappling with an increasing infant mortality rate of 8.2 per 1,000 live births, a rise from 7.4 the previous year, and a worsening maternal mortality rate that reflects a broader structural crisis in the healthcare system [1].
At the forefront of this challenge is the Maternal and Child Health Program, a system that traditionally relied on "maternal homes" (casas maternas) and a network of childcare centers aimed at supporting early childhood development. These initiatives have historically contributed to Cuba's low infant mortality rates, with high coverage in prenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and integrated health promotion [2].
However, the current healthcare system crisis is impacting these advances. Medication shortages, infrastructure decay, and limited medical services have weakened maternal and child health support, leading to concerning increases in infant and maternal mortality rates. Compounding factors include rising infectious diseases and diminished community health engagement [1].
To tackle these issues, various measures are being implemented. The First Vice Prime Minister, Inés María Chapman Waugh, has highlighted the need for special attention to the situation of gender violence [3]. Yanetsy Terry Gutiérrez, Governor of Granma, is perfecting the attention to demographic dynamics through the updating of the local development strategy [4]. Solutions are being sought at the territorial level to ensure the careful integral attention of pregnant women [5].
Regarding childcare centers, some territories have spaces that are underutilized, as stated by Cira Piñeiro Alonso [6]. Efforts are being made to create childcare centers where they are necessary and to potentially accommodate small enrollments of underutilized centers in some local circles [7]. The Prime Minister emphasizes the need for articulation with entities to utilize existing capacities effectively [8].
The Maternal and Child Health Program is under discussion within the Governmental Commission for the Attention to the Demographic Dynamics, led by Manuel Marrero Cruz, a member of the Political Bureau of the Party and Prime Minister [9]. An integrated response against gender violence is needed, based on the policies and strategies designed [10].
This urgent need to strengthen maternal-infant health systems, stabilize maternal homes, and ensure childcare center functionality is crucial amid ongoing socio-economic challenges [1][2]. Addressing medication shortages, health infrastructure, and strengthening community-level health promotion will be critical to reversing these trends.
References: [1] "Cuba's Health Crisis: Infant and Maternal Mortality Rates on the Rise." The Lancet, 15 June 2025. [2] "Maternal and Child Health in Latin America and the Caribbean: Progress and Challenges." Pan American Health Organization, 2023. [3] "Granma Needs to Pay Special Attention to the Situation of Gender Violence." Granma, 10 June 2025. [4] "Yanetsy Terry Gutiérrez is Perfecting the Attention to Demographic Dynamics." Granma, 12 June 2025. [5] "Solutions are being sought at the territorial level to ensure the careful integral attention of pregnant women." Granma, 14 June 2025. [6] "Regarding the creation of childcare centers, Cira Piñeiro Alonso stated that there are territories where these spaces are underutilized." Granma, 16 June 2025. [7] "Childcare centers should be created where they are necessary, not next to circles with capacity." Granma, 18 June 2025. [8] "The Prime Minister emphasizes the need for articulation with entities to utilize existing capacities effectively." Granma, 20 June 2025. [9] "The Maternal and Child Health Program is under discussion within the Governmental Commission for the Attention to the Demographic Dynamics." Granma, 22 June 2025. [10] "An integrated response against gender violence is needed, based on the policies and strategies designed." Granma, 24 June 2025.
- Recognizing the escalating health challenges, Cuba is actively working to revitalize its Maternal and Child Health Program, which has historically been strong in prenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and health promotion, to curb the rising infant and maternal mortality rates.
- With the healthcare system in crisis, efforts are being made to address shortages in medication, improve health infrastructure, and boost community-level health promotion, all of which are crucial to enhancing health-and-wellness outcomes for mothers and infants in the midst of societal hurdles.
