Havana, September 20 (PL-RHC), The Cuban province of Holguin reported an infant mortality rate lower than 5 per 1000 live births from January to September this year, according to a report released Friday. Caterine Chivas, head of the Maternal-Child Care Program in this Eastern province, told the Cuban News Agency (AIN) they are immersed in an specialized follow-up process for pregnant women with different diseases.

Last year the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) included the Cuban rate among the lowest in the hemisphere, with a rate of 4.2 per 1000 live births, according to experts at the same level as developed countries.

At the end of August, Holguin authorities reported more than 6.800 live births and 28 deceased, a better result than that of the same period of the previous year.

The province, 734km East of Havana, sees the municipalities of Antilla, Frank País, Cueto and Urbano Noris with rates of zero infant deaths, despite the high per cent of pregnant women living in rural and difficult to access areas in Sierra Cristal.