Havana, June 29 (RHC)-- Cuba on Monday highlighted the efforts made by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to support the countries most in need in the face of the new coronavirus pandemic.

This was recognized by Cuba's alternate permanent representative to the United Nations, Ana Silvia Rodríguez, when she spoke at the annual session of UNICEF's Executive Board in 2020.

The Cuban diplomat described as commendable the achievements and work of this international organization during the past year, as well as highlighted the measures adopted by UNICEF to comply with the mandates of Resolution 72/272, regarding the repositioning of the United Nations Development System.

"The well-being of our children is an inherent purpose of the Cuban social project, and the services of the health and education systems are universal and free of charge for all our population, including our children," explained Rodríguez when referring to child care in Cuba.

She also highlighted our country's achievements, ranking among the 35 countries with the lowest infant mortality rate in the world, which by the end of 2019 was five per every one thousand live births.

"Through our National Immunization Programme, we guarantee almost 100 per cent vaccination coverage.  The entire child population is vaccinated against 13 diseases, including six that remain eradicated," she explained.

Rodríguez concluded her speech by reiterating Cuba's full support for the work carried out by UNICEF, and to continue strengthening its presence and support both on the island and in the rest of the world, particularly in favor of developing countries.