Reduction in infant mortality in Cuba in the first half of the year

Havana, Jul 17 (RHC) Authorities from Cuba's Ministry of Public Health reported that there has been a decrease in infant mortality figures so far this year.

 This was made known on Tuesday during the debates of the Health and Sports Commission, which is in session as a prelude to the third ordinary period of the National Assembly of People's Power (parliament).

It was reported in the exchange that up to last July 11, the number of deaths in children under one year of age was reduced by 82 cases, from 340 to 258.

In addition, the infant mortality rate fell from 7.9 per 1,000 live births in 2023 to 7.4 so far in 2024.

Despite these results, the national head of the Maternal and Infant Program, Chibás Pérez, called for continued efforts to further reduce these figures and stressed the importance of multisectoral work and the commitment of the people.

Pérez stressed the need for all sectors of society to redouble their efforts and maintain a coordinated work to consolidate the advances in the improvement of maternal and child health in the country.

During the debates, the deputies learned that the Caribbean country has 161 maternity homes and 3,873 beds available.

In the first half of the year, five new maternity homes were inaugurated: two in Matanzas and three in Pinar del Río. However, 35 municipalities still do not have these institutions and some of them do not have defined premises or these are under repair.

In addition, it was possible to solve the problem of housing with dirt floors for 251 pregnant women and preventive, educational and training actions were strengthened in conjunction with other institutions. (Source: Prensa Latina).